Specimen Prep - Biotechnology - Principles and Processes

Specimen Prep Guide: Biotechnology: Principles and Processes

Key Concepts (Recall & Understanding)

• Principles of Biotechnology: Understand the two core techniques: genetic engineering and maintenance of sterile conditions.
• Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology: Know about restriction enzymes, cloning vectors, and competent hosts.
• Processes of Recombinant DNA Technology: Understand the steps: isolation of DNA, cutting of DNA at specific locations, amplification of gene of interest using PCR, insertion of recombinant DNA into the host cell, and obtaining the foreign gene product.
• Bioreactors: Know the importance of bioreactors in large-scale production.

Application Corner

• Problem Type: Designing the steps to create a recombinant DNA molecule for a specific purpose.
• Example: How would you use PCR to amplify a gene of interest? (Describe the steps of denaturation, annealing, and extension).

Analytical Thinking

• Scenario: Why is it important to use the same restriction enzyme to cut both the vector DNA and the foreign DNA?
• Analysis: To produce complementary sticky ends, which can then be joined together by DNA ligase.
• Diagram Interpretation: Be able to interpret a diagram of a plasmid vector like pBR322, identifying the selectable markers and cloning sites.

Key Case Study

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Understand the principle and applications of PCR. It is a powerful technique used to amplify a small sample of DNA into a large amount, which can then be used for various purposes like DNA fingerprinting, disease diagnosis, and research.

Assertion-Reason Practice

1. Assertion: Restriction enzymes are also called "molecular scissors". Reason: They cut DNA at specific sites.

   • (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

2. Assertion: Plasmids are used as cloning vectors in genetic engineering. Reason: They are self-replicating and can carry a foreign gene into a host cell.

   • (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills) Question

• What are "selectable markers" in a cloning vector, and what is their significance?
  • Answer: Selectable markers are genes that help in identifying and eliminating non-transformants and selectively permitting the growth of the transformants. For example, the genes for antibiotic resistance in pBR322.