Question 1

What are restriction enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes that cut out DNA at the specific nucleotide sequence that the enzyme contains

(creates "sticky-ends" which reconnect to other DNA fragments containing the same ends, with the ability to form recombinant DNA)

Question 2

What are sticky-ends?

Accepted Answer

Ends of DNA helixes where a few unpaired nucleotides extend a bit further beyond the other

(can be formed from restriction enzymes)

Question 3

What is recombinant DNA?

Accepted Answer

Artificially formed DNA that consists of genetic material from multiple sources

(scientists can make sticky-ends can merge (using ligase) with other sticky-ends containing the same ends, creating recombinant DNA)

Question 4

What is a vector, in genetics?

Accepted Answer

A DNA molecule that is used to artificially carry DNA from one source to another

Question 5

What is gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

A technique to separate DNA fragments by their size

(cut using restriction enzymes and separated by electrophoresis; smaller pieces travel further, while larger pieces do not travel as far; used in forensics at crime scenes)

Question 6

What is Southern blotting?

Accepted Answer

A procedure for identifying specific sequences of DNA, and whether or not they are present in a sample of DNA

(named after biologist Edwin M. Southern; uses gel electrophoresis)

Question 7

How are genes cloned (artificially)?

Accepted Answer

The gene is inserted into a plasmid (circular piece of DNA), using enzymes that "cut and paste" DNA, forming recombinant DNA

The plasmid is then put back into bacteria, which reproduce naturally, creating more copies of the gene

(very useful for making large quantities of a human gene, such as insulin)

Question 8

What is polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

A method to rapidly make huge amounts of a specific DNA sample

Biotechnology, AP Biology Flashcards