biotech

Biotechnology 349


Unit 3 Learning Outcomes and Key Concepts


Ch. 3: Microbiology & Cell Culture  (B&W Textbook)

& 

Ch. 2: The Materials of Biotechnology  (Purple Textbook)  



*  The three domains of life include….

  1. Archaea- prokaryotes, no known human diseases caused by it.  found in the human digestive system and in harsh environments like deep ocean volcanic vents and salt lakes, called extremophiles. being investigated as sources of enzymes used for harsh manufacturing. 

  2. Bacteria- prokaryotes, more bacteria than archaea, 

  3. Eukarya- includes yeast, algae, and humans, 


* What are the general differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  • Prokaryotic: single-celled organisms, no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, smaller, more species than eukaryotes,

  • Eukaryotic: single or multi-celled organisms, used for biotechnology-related labs, have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, more complex


* How and why do scientists use ‘model systems’?

Model systems are used by scientists to investigate something new in an organism or biological system they already know a lot about. Helpful for gaining knowledge about other systems. for example, scientists knew about how anthrax affected livestock, so they used that knowledge to help humans with the disease. 


* How are bacteria classified?

Classified into two groups based on the thickness of their peptidoglycan cell wall. Classified as gram-positive if they can absorb the microbiological stain, or gram-negative if they can’t. 

Coccus- spherical, looks like a ball, 

Bacillus - oval/rod shaped, looks like a hot dog

Spirillum- spiral, from the Greek “strepto” meaning twisted chain. 


* What is the name for a loop of genomic DNA found in bacteria?

The loop of genomic DNA found in bacteria is called a plasmid.





* What are the different types of cells often used in biotechnology? (Refer to p. 45-47 of the purple textbook)

  • Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO)

  • African green monkey kidney epithelial cells (Vero Cells)

  • Human epithelial cells (HeLa Cells)


* A protein that is artificially produced in a genetically engineered organism is called……..

A recombinant protein. 


* What do we use the Kirby-Bauer or disk diffusion test for?

We use it for determining the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics and it’s commonly used in biotech labs. (the paper disks placed in the petri dish testing the zone of inhibition)


* What is the correct way to label media?

Label the outside bottom plate in an arc before adding the agar. The label should include the type of agar (and if there are additives), the date poured, and initials of the person who poured it. After it’s inoculated, label it with the name of the microorganism, the number in an experimental series and the location it was inoculated. 


* Describe the two different types of media that are used to culture bacteria.

Liquid media is used for protein production or for isolating plasmid DNA. Liquid cultures cannot be isolated for individual colonies. The same ingredients are used as for solid media but without the agar. Solid media is when antibiotics are used to select resistant bacteria. 


* What term is used to describe DNA that has been produced by cutting and pasting together pieces of DNA from two different organisms?  (Refer to p. 57-58 of the purple textbook)

Recombinant DNA or rDNA


* What was the first genetically engineered product to reach the marketplace?  (Refer to p. 57-58 of the purple textbook)

Human insulin for the treatment of diabetes was the first genetically engineered product to reach the market place. 


* What are Stem cells and why are they sometimes used in biotechnology?

Stem cells are cells that can become any tissue, such as brain, blood, or muscle cells depending on molecular signals. They have the potential to cure diseases that are otherwise incurable. They are used because of these special qualities they hold. 


* What types of animals are often used in scientific research and biotechnology?

Rats and mice are the main animals used, but also used are birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other

mammals.


* What is the difference between primary cells and cell lines?

Primary cell culture is the culture of cells directly isolated from living tissue; whereas cell line is the culture of cells originated from a primary cell culture, which is generally used to expand cell population and prolong life span.