Biotechnology and DNA - Chapter 9

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 9 on Biotechnology and DNA, providing a study aid for students to review critical information for their exam.

What is biotechnology?

The use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product.

What does recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology involve?

The insertion or modification of genes to produce desired proteins.

Can you give an example of rDNA technology?

The gene for human growth hormone (hGH) was inserted into E. coli bacteria to produce large amounts of hGH quickly and cost effectively.

What role do restriction enzymes play in genetic engineering?

Restriction enzymes cut specific sequences of DNA, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA.

What is the purpose of a vector in biotechnology?

Vectors carry and transfer DNA and must self-replicate.

What is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

A method to make many copies of a specific nucleic acid sample rapidly.

What is the significance of heat-stable polymerases in PCR?

They can survive successive heating and cooling cycles, which is crucial for the PCR process.

What is the blue-white screening method used for?

To identify bacteria that have taken up a plasmid containing foreign DNA.

What is a genomic library?

A collection of clones containing different DNA fragments representing an organism's genome.

What is reverse-transcription PCR?

A method that uses mRNA as a template to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase.

What are some agricultural applications of rDNA techniques?

Alterations in plant breeding, production of Bt toxins for pest resistance, and herbicide resistance.

What safety and ethical concerns are associated with DNA technology?

Possible accidental release into the environment, safety of genetically modified crops, and access to individual genetic information.

How can DNA fingerprinting be used in forensic microbiology?

To identify pathogens and potentially link individuals to crimes.

What is a clone selection process in biotechnology?

A method to select cells that have taken up and integrated the provided DNA.

What is the purpose of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

To unite the backbones of two DNA fragments after they have been joined by base pairing.

What are some pharmaceutical products based on recombinant DNA technology?

Human growth hormone, insulin, and vaccines such as the hepatitis B vaccine.

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and transforms into liquid water, forming clouds.

What role does precipitation play in the water cycle?

Precipitation is when water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in forms such as rain, snow, or sleet.

What is collection in the water cycle?

Collection is the gathering of precipitation in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Explain evaporation in the context of the water cycle.

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into vapor and enters the atmosphere.

What is transpiration?

Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.

How does the sun influence the water cycle?

The sun provides energy that drives evaporation and influences weather patterns, impacting the water cycle.

Define the term 'water vapor.'

Water vapor is the gaseous state of water that is present