Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique for in vitro amplification of a target gene using a PCR machine. i. PCR has the capability to produce a billion copies of the desired DNA or RNA segment with high accuracy and specificity within a few hours. ii. This automated process involves thermal cycles for denaturation and … Read more
Transgenic mice: 1. Utilizing a specific oncogene (cancer-causing gene), transgenic mice undergo modification, resulting in the development of a distinct type of cancer. This modification proves valuable for addressing inquiries related to the correlation between oncogenes and the progression of cancer. 2. Theoretically, these animals also hold promise for conducting research on cancer treatment and … Read more
Gene therapy involves treating genetic disorders by replacing, altering, or supplementing a gene that is either absent or abnormal, responsible for the disease. Two types of gene therapy are: (a) Germ Line Gene Therapy: 1. Genetically modify germ cells to correct genetic defects. 2. Introduce a normal gene into germ cells like sperm, eggs, and … Read more
Gene Cloning Process in rDNA Technology i. Isolation of DNA (gene) from the donor organism: a) Extract and purify DNA from the donor organism. ii. Cutting of the desired gene: a) Use restriction enzymes (restriction endonucleases) to cleave isolated DNA. b) Cleaved DNA fragments have cohesive or blunt ends. c) Select a fragment containing the … Read more
Bioethics explores the ethical perspectives, choices, and principles guiding human conduct in the context of biological occurrences or phenomena. 1. Bioethics addresses various ethical considerations related to emerging technologies such as cloning, transgenics, gene therapy, eugenics, and in vitro fertilization, as well as complex issues like euthanasia and maintaining individuals in comatose states. 2. Within … Read more
A biopatent is granted for microorganism strains, cell lines, genetically modified variants, DNA sequences, biotechnological processes, and applications related to products and their processes. Terms of biopatent: 1. Biopatents grant the patent holder exclusive rights to the protected invention, restricting others from making, using, selling, or importing it for a limited duration. 2. The duration … Read more
Biopiracy involves unlawfully taking natural resources, patenting them, and profiting without providing any benefits or compensation to the country of origin. 1. Unauthorized misappropriation involves the wrongful use of biological resources and traditional knowledge. 2. Bio-patenting or exploiting bioresources without proper permission or compensation from the respective nation constitutes unlawful actions. Here are instances of … Read more
1. When employing r-DNA technology, the use of distinct restriction enzymes for cutting the vector and donor DNA leads to fragments possessing different sticky ends. 2. These sticky ends generated from the cutting process are not complementary to each other. 3. The non-complementary nature of the sticky ends hinders spontaneous rejoining of the DNA fragments. … Read more
1. If the malfunctioning device cannot achieve a temperature below 70 °C, the initial primer annealing step will face impediments. 2. Each primer possesses a distinct annealing temperature, determined by its A, T, G, C composition, typically ranging from 40-60 °C.
The ideal cloning vector should possess the following desired characteristics: 1. Enable independent replication through an origin of replication gene. 2. Facilitate seamless transfer into host cells. 3. Incorporate essential control elements such as promoters, operators, and ribosomal binding sites. 4. Integrate marker genes for antibiotic resistance. 5. Include recognition sites for restriction enzymes within … Read more