Unit 4 DNA Basics and Biotechnology

Practice flashcards covering DNA structure, PCR processes, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and ethical considerations.

what is deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A molecule that can be uncoiled in strings or coiled as chromosomes, consisting of a double helix where the rungs are made of nitrogenous bases and sides are made from alternating deoxyribose and phosphate molecules.

what are Nucleotides

building blocks of DNA consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

what are Nitrogenous Bases

The sequence of molecules (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine)

that dictates the type of protein produced through transcription and translation.

define Gene

A section of DNA which codes for the synthesis of a specific protein.

define Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism produced by specific proteins.

what is Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A process enabling small amounts of DNA to be copied (amplified) for use in genetic testing or biotechnological techniques.

1. Denaturing

what happens

step in PCR

heat increased 94-96C is used to break the hydrogen bonds and separate the two DNA template strands.

2. Annealing

what happens

temperature is decreased to approximately 50-60C to allow primers to bind to single DNA strands.

• primers are complementary to either end of the section of DNA to be copied

• prepares the strand for new bases to be added

what are Primers

Short sections of DNA complementary to either end of the section to be copied that act as a starting point and initiate DNA replication.

3. Extension

what happens

temp increased to 72C

the enzyme DNA polymerase joins new, complementary nucleotides to the sections originating with the primers

DNA polymerase moves down the DNA, attaching complementary nucleotides to the template strand.

The short sections of DNA are extended to produce longer strands

what is DNA polymerase

The enzyme used to join new, complementary nucleotides to the template strand to produce a double-stranded DNA copy.

4. Amplification

what happens

producing more copies of DNA through the continuous changing of temperature in repeating PCR cycles.

what are Restriction enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at particular base sequences to create fragments of various lengths.

Autonomy

The right to be self-determining and choose whether or not to be tested and to know and share genetic information.

Confidentiality

The requirement that genetic information be treated sensitively and accessed only by those who are authorised.

Equity

The right to fair, equal treatment regardless of genetic information.

Privacy

The right to make decisions regarding genetic testing and independent of others.

uses of DNA sequencing

• identifying inherited disorders

• maternity and paternity tests

• compare species in order to track evolutionary changes.

uses of PRC

paternity testing

crime scene investigation

genetic disease testing

relatedness of living organisms