Genetic engineering

• What is the basic unit of the human body that contains a nucleus?


  Cell
• What do chromosomes contain that is essential for genetic information?


  DNA
• What are the organic molecules that make up DNA called?

  Nucleotide bases
• What are genes responsible for in the human body?


  Providing instructions for protein production
• Approximately how many genes are known to produce different proteins in humans?


  20,000
• What can a mutation in a single gene lead to?


  Defective proteins or lack of protein production
• How are mutations most often passed down?


  From biological parents
• What are the two main types of mutations mentioned?

  Single nucleotide changes and repeated DNA sequences
• What can larger chromosomal mutations involve?


  Added or missing DNA affecting multiple genes
• Name three examples of genetic conditions.

  Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia
• What is the goal of gene therapy research?


  To address specific mutations in genetic instructions
• What is the current status of gene therapy for some genetic diseases?


  It is in ongoing clinical trials
• Why is it important to consider the potential benefits and risks of gene therapy?


  To ensure safe and effective treatment options
• What are the key components of the human genetic structure?


  • Cells contain nuclei
  • Nuclei house chromosomes
  • Chromosomes contain DNA
  • DNA is made of nucleotide bases
  • Genes are segments of DNA that instruct protein production
• What are the types and effects of mutations in genetics?


  Types of mutations:

  • Single nucleotide changes
  • Repeated DNA sequences
  • Larger chromosomal mutations (added or missing DNA)

  
  

  Effects:

  • Defective proteins
  • Lack of protein production
  • Genetic conditions passed down generations
• What is the significance of gene therapy in treating genetic conditions?


  • Aims to correct specific genetic mutations
  • Allows the body to produce necessary proteins
  • Currently in clinical trials to assess benefits and risks
• Some mutations may have no effect on an individual but could still impact future generations if passed down through reproduction.
• Mutations can be caused by errors during DNA replication, exposure to radiation or chemicals, viruses infecting cells, or mistakes made when repairing damaged DNA.
• Mutations can occur spontaneously, be inherited from parents, or caused by environmental factors such as radiation exposure.
• Errors during replication can lead to mutations, which can result in defective proteins or lack of protein production.
• The process of replication involves separating strands of DNA, creating complementary base pairs, adding sugar-phosphate backbone, and joining together with hydrogen bonds.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation from sources like X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays can cause damage to DNA molecules, leading to mutations.
• Errors in DNA replication can lead to mutations such as substitutions, deletions, insertions, duplications, translocations, and inversions.
• What is a Mutation? 


  A Mutation is a change in gene caused by a mistake in copying the DNA base pairs
• What is a protein


  A polymer made up of amino acids
• What type of organism's gene was given to bacteria in the memorable lab experiment?

  A gene from a bioluminescent jellyfish
• What ability did the bacteria gain from the jellyfish gene when exposed to UV light?


  The ability to glow
• Why is the lab experiment with jellyfish genes popular in advanced biology courses?


  It demonstrates genetic transformation in a memorable way
• Can bacteria be given a human gene?


  Yes, bacteria can be given a human gene
• What hormone is produced by the pancreas that is essential for humans?


  Insulin
• What condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin?

  Type 1 Diabetes
• How is insulin produced in a lab for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes?


  By using bacteria that have been given the human insulin gene
• What are the benefits of using bacteria to produce insulin?


  Bacteria are easy to grow, multiply quickly, and require little space
• What is transformation in the context of genetic engineering?


  • Transformation is the process where a cell takes up DNA from its environment.
  • Commonly occurs in bacteria.
  • Can be performed using genes of interest from other organisms.
• What is genetic engineering generally defined as?


  Changing an organism’s genotype using biotechnology tools or techniques
• What is a plasmid?


  A plasmid is an extra set of genes in bacteria that can be used in genetic engineering
• What shape do plasmids typically have?


  Circular shape
• What role do restriction enzymes play in genetic engineering?


  They cut DNA at specific spots to allow for gene insertion
• What is ligase used for in genetic engineering?


  To seal the inserted gene into the plasmid
• What is recombinant DNA?


  DNA that contains genetic material from different sources