BMAT BIOLOGY DNA AND GENE TECHNOLOGIES REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

DNA structure double helix genetic code the ordering of nucleotides in DNA molecules that carries the genetic information in living cells protein synthesis the formation of proteins by using information contained in DNA and carried by mRNA amino acids monomers of proteins triplet code 3 bases of DNA that code for a single amino acid gene mutation A change in the sequence of the bases in a gene, which changes the structure of the polypeptide that the gene codes for. genetic engineering A technology that includes the process of manipulating or altering the genetic material of a cell resulting in desirable functions or outcomes that would not occur naturally. genetic engineering of bacterial cells - useful gene is cut from the DNA with a restriction enzyme - enzyme cuts the DNA in a staggered way (leaves sticky ends) - bacterial plasmid DNA's cut open with the same restriction enzyme - useful gene + plasmid DNA are mixed, & the gene's inserted into the plasmid - DNA ligase enzyme joins the useful gene + plasmid which forms a 'recombinant plasmid' (DNA from more than 1 source) - cell's now a GMA - it can be cultured by cloning, and the cell can use the inserted gene genetic engineering of plants using the Ti-plasmid from Agrobacterium, and a natural insecticide gene isolated from another organism, recombinant plants have been produced which are resistant to insects Producing medicine - GM - larger quantities produced - medications give few side effects - long-term consequences unknown