Gel Electrophoresis And Genetic Engineering – Q’s &
A’s
What is gel electrophoresis used for? Right Ans - For sorting and
measuring DNA strands. Can also be used to separate molecules like proteins
How does DNA move throughout the gel? Right Ans - The gel is the filter
that sorts the DNA strands. The DNA is then placed into holes at one end of the
gel. To move, DNA uses an electrical current to push the strands through.
What is a buffer and what is it used for? Right Ans - It is a salt water
solution that will let electrical charges flow through the gel. Conducts current
and keeps gel from drying out.
What is the purpose of the comb? Right Ans - The comb is placed into the
gel. The notches in the gel mold hold it in place
Since DNA has a negative charge, which direction will it go to in the gel?
Right Ans - To the positive charge at the opposite end
If there are bubbles, what does this mean? Right Ans - Bubbles are proof
that the current is running
When is gel electrophoresis used? Right Ans - In forensics, if someone
needs a paternity test, crime scenes, etc.
In running a gel, you need to have a positive control and a negative control.
What do these mean and what are they each used for? Right Ans - The
positive control is what the DNA gravitates towards, and the negative control
repels the DNA.
How does the law of marrying close relatives help prevent the health of future
generations? Right Ans - Rare recessive genes control most deadly
diseases. Reduces the chance of two recessive alleles coming together to
produce disorders
, What would a geneticist call a "mutt" and how would they explain its health?
Right Ans - Mutts to a geneticist are "hybrids". The health and strong growth
of most hybrids is referred to as "hybrid vigor".
Compare and contrast selective breeding and genetic engineering Right
Ans - Both are used to change traits of organisms. Selective breeding tries to
make a trait that is already present in some individuals the more common
version of the trait.
Genetic engineering usually targets a specific gene, and can take genes
(therefore a trait) from a different type of organism.
Genetic engineering Right Ans - Remove a desirable gene from one
organism and transfer it to another. The process of altering the genetic
material of cells or organisms to allow them to make new substances
DNA must be cut to change its genes. DNA is way too small to cut even with a
laser. What is used to cut DNA? Right Ans - Restriction enzymes.
What is a transgenic organism? Right Ans - An organism with functional
DNA in it obtained from a different organism
Both mechanical and biological types of DNA vectors are useful. What is the
benefit of each? Right Ans - Mechanical provides more control over which
cells get the new gene; biological uses a natural process that incorporates the
gene into the host's DNA. Biological shows more promise of working in a
whole organism as opposed to cells in a laboratory.
How is reproductive cloning achieved? (list as steps). Right Ans - 1. Obtain
a 2n donor cell. Fresh, new cells such as skin cells work best.
2. Get a donor egg cell. Remove nucleus from egg (= enucleate).
3. Put DNA from 2n donor cell into egg.
4. Plant "fertilized" egg in womb of surrogate mother.
Why is reproductive cloning being mostly abandoned by genetic researchers?
Right Ans - Poor success rate and lots of birth defects.
List and defend two current or future uses of recombinant DNA/transgenic
organisms that you think will benefit the world's populations the most.
Right Ans - Lots of choices. Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world, but
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