Non-genomic DNA + Plasmid & Vector
Questions
1. Give a brief illustration on the mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’23 (5)
2. Describe briefly the structural features of mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’22 (5)/
Briefly explain the key features of mammalian mitochondrial DNA. ’20 (6)
3. Define vector. Describe the structural features and properties of an ideal vector. ’23 (5)/
’22
(3)
4. Explore the scope and applications of recombinant DNA technologies. ’22 (6)
5. Explain recombinant DNA technology with diagram. ’20 (5)
6. Write short notes on restriction endonucleases and non-genomic DNA. ’21 (6)
7. What is vector? Give a brief illustration of the pUC8 plasmid vector. ’21,’20 (5)
8. What are the methods available to deliver gene constructs to cells? Explain
transformation. ’21 (6)
9. What do you mean by rDNA and cDNA? ’20 (3)
10. Draw and label the structure of a mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’19 (4)
11. Write down the characteristic features of an ideal plasmid. ’19 (4)
12. What do you mean by extrachromosomal inheritance? ’17 (3)
Ans- 9
rDNA stands for recombinant DNA. It is a DNA molecule that has been artificially created by joining
together pieces of DNA from two or more different organisms.
cDNA stands for complementary DNA. It is a synthetic form of DNA that is synthesized using messenger
RNA (mRNA) as a template.
1
, NON-GENOMIC DNA
Non-genomic DNA
Non-genomic DNA occurs outside the nucleus of the cell. It is found in most eukaryotes and is commonly
found in cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria (animals) and chloroplasts (plants). In prokaryotes,
extranuclear organelles are plasmids.
Functions of Extranuclear Organelles:
✓ Mitochondria are organelles that function to produce energy as a result of cellular respiration.
✓ Chloroplasts are organelles that function to produce sugars via photosynthesis in plants and algae.
✓ The genes located in mitochondria and chloroplasts are very important for proper cellular function, yet
the genomes replicate independently of the DNA located in the nucleus.
✓ The extranuclear genomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts, however, replicate independently
of cell division. They replicate in response to a cell's increasing energy needs, which adjust during that
cell's lifespan. Since they replicate independently, genomic recombination between these genomes is
rarely observed in offspring, unlike nuclear genomes, where recombination is common.
✓ Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother; sperm does not contribute to them.
Mitochondrial Genome Structure***
1. Tens to hundreds of mitochondria per cell
2. 1-15 mtDNA genomes/mitochondria
3. Double-stranded genome
4. The two strands are notably different in base composition, leading to one strand being "heavy"
(the H strand) and the other light (the L strand).
5. Both strands encode genes, although more are on the H strand.
6. No recombination, no intron
7. Homoplasmic (the genetic state where all hundreds to thousands of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
copies within a cell, tissue, or individual are identical), with rare exceptions
8. Uses a slightly different genetic code
2
Questions
1. Give a brief illustration on the mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’23 (5)
2. Describe briefly the structural features of mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’22 (5)/
Briefly explain the key features of mammalian mitochondrial DNA. ’20 (6)
3. Define vector. Describe the structural features and properties of an ideal vector. ’23 (5)/
’22
(3)
4. Explore the scope and applications of recombinant DNA technologies. ’22 (6)
5. Explain recombinant DNA technology with diagram. ’20 (5)
6. Write short notes on restriction endonucleases and non-genomic DNA. ’21 (6)
7. What is vector? Give a brief illustration of the pUC8 plasmid vector. ’21,’20 (5)
8. What are the methods available to deliver gene constructs to cells? Explain
transformation. ’21 (6)
9. What do you mean by rDNA and cDNA? ’20 (3)
10. Draw and label the structure of a mammalian mitochondrial genome. ’19 (4)
11. Write down the characteristic features of an ideal plasmid. ’19 (4)
12. What do you mean by extrachromosomal inheritance? ’17 (3)
Ans- 9
rDNA stands for recombinant DNA. It is a DNA molecule that has been artificially created by joining
together pieces of DNA from two or more different organisms.
cDNA stands for complementary DNA. It is a synthetic form of DNA that is synthesized using messenger
RNA (mRNA) as a template.
1
, NON-GENOMIC DNA
Non-genomic DNA
Non-genomic DNA occurs outside the nucleus of the cell. It is found in most eukaryotes and is commonly
found in cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria (animals) and chloroplasts (plants). In prokaryotes,
extranuclear organelles are plasmids.
Functions of Extranuclear Organelles:
✓ Mitochondria are organelles that function to produce energy as a result of cellular respiration.
✓ Chloroplasts are organelles that function to produce sugars via photosynthesis in plants and algae.
✓ The genes located in mitochondria and chloroplasts are very important for proper cellular function, yet
the genomes replicate independently of the DNA located in the nucleus.
✓ The extranuclear genomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts, however, replicate independently
of cell division. They replicate in response to a cell's increasing energy needs, which adjust during that
cell's lifespan. Since they replicate independently, genomic recombination between these genomes is
rarely observed in offspring, unlike nuclear genomes, where recombination is common.
✓ Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother; sperm does not contribute to them.
Mitochondrial Genome Structure***
1. Tens to hundreds of mitochondria per cell
2. 1-15 mtDNA genomes/mitochondria
3. Double-stranded genome
4. The two strands are notably different in base composition, leading to one strand being "heavy"
(the H strand) and the other light (the L strand).
5. Both strands encode genes, although more are on the H strand.
6. No recombination, no intron
7. Homoplasmic (the genetic state where all hundreds to thousands of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
copies within a cell, tissue, or individual are identical), with rare exceptions
8. Uses a slightly different genetic code
2
