PCR (Polymerase)
What does a PCR do?
Makes copies of a specific segment of DNA without using cells in vitro.
What is the agarose gel?
Loose, porous, gel placed horizontally, suitable for separating larger molecules such as DNA and most RNAs.
Most animal cells do not have the capacity of naturally regenerating a complete individual from a cell. True or false, why?
True, this potential is lost during cell specialization.
What is a karyotype?
Set of photographs of chromosomes grouped in order in pairs.
What is the Green Revolution?
The popular term for the development and spread of high-yielding staple foods in developing countries. For example the semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties (Asia and Central America) between 1962 and 1985.
Where does the PCR take place?
Takes places in a PCR machine that undergoes several automated thermal cycling cycles.
What is TBE buffer and where can you find it?
A liquid buffer that protects the DNA molecules and allows electricity to move through the chamber, driving the molecules across the gel.
How is reproductive cloning done?
Blastocyst is inserted into the womb of a surrogate mother (usually a third individual) through in-vitro fertilization.
What is genetic variation?
Variations in the genotypes of organisms of the same species due to the presence of different alleles.
Which harmful effects does the transgenic varieties and GMOs have on beneficial organisms and the environment?
It is also considered that transgenic varieties designed to produce new pest toxins could have harmful effects on beneficial organisms such as bees, or that these toxins accumulate in food chains and even promote pest resistance.
How does PCR work?
Heat separate DNA strands; cool to allow primers to bind; DNA polymerase must be thermostable by extending in the 3' end of each primer; 30 cycles of 1.0E9 copies.
What does electrophoresis chamber do?
Holds all of the components of the separation. It creates a close system in which to submerge a gel and apply electrical current.
What is a genomic library?
The collection of recombinant vector clones produced by cloning DNA fragments from an entire genome.
What creates genetic variation in species?
Spontaneous mutations and sexual reproduction.
Name strategies put forward to reduce some of the potential risks of GMOs
Is to allocate a part of the farmland to the planting of non-transgenic plants, in order to maintain balance in the pest population and to prevent those who develop resistance to the toxin from multiplying.
PCR requires the use of a special DNA polymerase. What is the name of this special molecule.
It requires the use of a bacteria called Taq Polymerase. Heat stable (hi-heat temp).
What does the power supply do?
It converts AC power from the wall outlet into the lower voltages of DC power required to power all components of the compute
What is a somatic cell?
Any cell in the body other than the two types of reproductive cells. It is diploid.
State the three types of gene mutation
Insertion, deletion, substitution.
What are the functions of bio-insecticides (Bt crops)?
Reduce the application of chemical pesticides; other plants are resistant to a type of herbicide, which allows weed fighting or "weed" to be more effective as crops are not damaged.
Why is DNA polymerase essential for PCR to be successful?
The DNA polymerase copies a cell's DNA before it divides in two. The DNA polymerase attaches at the end of the primer and adds nucleotides. Brings in nucleotides and puts them in the correct order.
What does the DNA stain do?
Used to stain the gel after electrophoresis. Since DNA cannot be seen with the naked eye, DNA stain is necessary to visualize your DNA fragments.
What does totipotence mean?
It is the ability of one cell to differentiate and regenerate a completely new individual.
What is the Human Genome Project?
Scientific research project involving thousands of scientists across the world which successfully mapped the entire human genome.
How is a plant genetically modified?
Technically, innovation involves changing two of the 40,000 genes a plant contains to improve its characteristics.