Biotechnology - AP Biology

Define the term 'knockout organism.'

An organism with a gene that has been inactivated. Created by deleting or disrupting specific genes to study function.
What is the role of Taq polymerase in PCR?

Synthesizes new DNA strands. Remains active at high temperatures required for PCR denaturation.
Identify the purpose of Western blotting.

To detect specific proteins. Proteins are transferred to membrane and detected with specific antibodies.
Which component is necessary for PCR?

DNA polymerase. Heat-stable enzyme that synthesizes DNA during thermal cycling.
Define bioinformatics.

The application of computing to biological data. Combines computer science with molecular biology for data analysis.
What is the role of bioreactors in biotechnology?

To cultivate organisms for product synthesis. Controlled vessels that optimize conditions for cell growth and production.
What is a cDNA library?

A collection of cloned cDNA sequences. Contains expressed genes without introns for protein production studies.
Which organism is often used in recombinant DNA technology?

Escherichia coli. Fast-growing bacterium with well-characterized genetics and transformation methods.
Identify the purpose of a DNA microarray.

To measure gene expression levels. Contains thousands of gene probes to analyze expression patterns simultaneously.
What does ELISA stand for?

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Uses antibody-antigen interactions to detect and quantify proteins.
What is the purpose of a genomic library?

To store DNA fragments that represent an organism's genome. Contains random DNA fragments representing the complete genetic material.
Which technique amplifies DNA segments?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Uses thermal cycling to exponentially copy specific DNA regions.
Define the term 'metabolomics.'

The study of chemical processes involving metabolites. Analyzes small molecules produced by cellular metabolic pathways.
What is gene cloning?

The process of making identical copies of a gene. Inserts genes into vectors for replication in host organisms.
Identify the purpose of Northern blotting.

To study RNA sequences. RNA is transferred to membrane and hybridized with specific probes.
Define CRISPR-Cas9.

A genome editing tool. Uses guide RNA and Cas9 nuclease for precise DNA modifications.
What is a DNA ladder used for in gel electrophoresis?

To estimate the size of DNA fragments. Known molecular weight standards for comparing unknown fragment sizes.
What is proteomics?

The study of the entire set of proteins. Analyzes protein structure, function, and expression patterns.
Which process creates DNA fingerprints?

Gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments. Produces unique banding patterns based on individual genetic variation.
What is a DNA probe used for?

To detect specific DNA sequences. Labeled single-stranded DNA that hybridizes to complementary sequences.
Identify the main function of a vector in cloning.

To carry foreign DNA into a host cell. Self-replicating DNA molecule that transports genes between organisms.
What is a transgenic organism?

An organism with DNA from another species. Contains foreign genes that can be expressed in the host organism.
What is recombinant DNA?

DNA formed by combining DNA from different organisms. Created by splicing DNA segments from multiple species using molecular tools.
Define the term 'expression vector.'

A vector used to express a gene in host cells. Contains regulatory sequences that control gene transcription in hosts.
What is a genetic marker?

A gene or DNA sequence with a known location. Used to track inheritance patterns and identify genetic variations.
What enzyme is used to cut DNA at specific sequences?

Restriction enzyme. Recognizes palindromic sequences and cleaves double-stranded DNA.
State the function of DNA ligase in biotechnology.

Joins DNA fragments together. Forms phosphodiester bonds between compatible DNA ends.
What is the purpose of a DNA sequencer?

To determine the order of nucleotides. Reads DNA bases sequentially to determine genetic sequence information.
Identify the purpose of Southern blotting.

To detect specific DNA sequences. DNA is transferred to membrane and probed with labeled sequences.
What is the function of a reporter gene?

To indicate the presence of a gene of interest. Produces detectable signals when the target gene is successfully expressed.
Define genomics.

The study of whole genomes. Examines complete DNA sequences and genetic organization.
What is the function of a selectable marker?

Identifies cells with the desired DNA. Confers resistance to antibiotics, allowing selection of transformed cells.
What is the purpose of a genetic screen?

To identify individuals with a specific genotype. Systematic analysis to find organisms carrying specific genetic variants.
What is the function of reverse transcriptase?

Converts RNA into DNA. Essential for creating cDNA libraries from mRNA templates.
What is a palindromic sequence in DNA?

A sequence that reads the same forward and backward. Recognition sites for restriction enzymes that cut DNA symmetrically.
Identify the use of RNA interference (RNAi).

To silence gene expression. Small RNAs bind to mRNA and prevent translation or cause degradation.
Which technique separates proteins by size and charge?

SDS-PAGE. Uses polyacrylamide gel and denaturing agents for protein separation.
What is the role of a plasmid in genetic engineering?

Acts as a vector to transfer genetic material. Self-replicating circular DNA that can carry foreign genes into cells.
What is the use of a knockout mouse in research?

To study gene function by gene inactivation. Gene disruption reveals protein functions through observable phenotypes.
What is gene therapy?

The treatment of disease by modifying genes. Introduces functional genes to correct genetic disorders.

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