AP Bio Insta-Review Topic 6.8*: BioTechnology

Front

What is a plasmid?

Back

A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA that is separate from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. Plasmids are often used in genetic engineering to transfer genes between organisms.

Front

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?

Back

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge. It allows scientists to analyze the genetic material.

Front

What does PCR stand for and what is its function?

Back

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Front

What is the role of ampicillin in bacterial growth experiments?

Back

Ampicillin is an antibiotic that inhibits the growth of bacteria. In experiments, it is used to select for bacteria that have been genetically modified to be resistant to it.

Front

How do larger molecules behave in gel electrophoresis?

Back

Larger molecules move more slowly and tend to remain near the wells in gel electrophoresis, while smaller molecules travel farther through the gel.

Front

What is the significance of the green glow protein in genetic engineering?

Back

The green glow protein, often derived from jellyfish, is used as a marker to indicate successful gene transfer and expression in genetically modified organisms.

Front

What is the function of restriction enzymes in biotechnology?

Back

Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to manipulate DNA for cloning and genetic engineering.

Front

What is transformation in the context of biotechnology?

Back

Transformation is the process by which a cell takes up foreign DNA from its environment, leading to genetic changes in the organism.

Front

What is the purpose of using controls in an experiment?

Back

Controls are used to ensure that the results of an experiment are due to the variable being tested and not other factors.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is double-stranded and stores genetic information, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) is single-stranded and plays a role in protein synthesis.