Deck 13: Genomics and Biotechnology

Question 1

What is the correct order of events for sequencing DNA?

Answer 1

First,a DNA fragment of unknown sequence must be amplified then mixed with primer.Four different chain-terminating chemical stages are added and heat is applied.Gel electrophoresis and computer analysis follow.

Question 2

How is it possible that there are four times as many kinds of mRNA transcripts as there are genes in the human genome?
This is possible because human genes are fragmented and use alternative splicing.

Answer 2

Answers will vary.

Question 3

In gene transfer procedures,why is it necessary to use processed mRNA molecules to make DNA to transfer to another organism?

Answer 3

This procedure is necessary only when the gene to be transferred comes from a eukaryote.Eukaryotic DNA contains introns as well as exons,and bacteria have no way of removing introns because their DNA has none.So introns must be removed,and processed mRNA molecules have already had that done.

Question 4

Do you feel there is any harm in cloning mammals? Why? Why not?

Question 5

How do you feel about cloning? Explain your position in the light of science.

Question 6

Explain how genomic imprinting works.

Question 7

Explain what has to happen to embryonic stem cells from a donor before they are used in a patient as a therapy.

Question 8

Explain the techniques used in the cloning of "Dolly."

Question 9

Do you feel there is any harm in eating genetically modified crops?

Question 10

What are some of the benefits of transferring genes from one organism to another?

Question 11

When the method is perfected,it will be possible to transfer "healthy" genes into cystic fibrosis patients via aerosol inhalants to "cure" this genetic disease.Is this type of gene transfer an actual cure or is it a treatment? In other words,could this person still pass along cystic fibrosis genes?