AP Bio (6.7-6.8) Mutations & Biotech

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What is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

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A technique used to amplify a specific DNA fragment abiotically, making millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.

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What is gel electrophoresis used for?

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A method for separating DNA fragments based on their size, allowing for analysis of genetic material.

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How does DNA migrate in gel electrophoresis?

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DNA is negatively charged and moves towards the positive electrode; smaller fragments travel further than larger ones.

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What is a missense mutation?

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A type of mutation that results in a change in one amino acid in a protein, potentially altering its function.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame of the genetic code.

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What is a nonsense mutation?

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A mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the protein sequence, leading to a truncated protein.

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What is a silent mutation?

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A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein, often occurring in non-coding regions.

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What does transgenic mean?

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An organism that has had DNA from another species inserted into its genome.

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Why are bacteria used to produce insulin?

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Bacteria have simple DNA that is easier to manipulate, allowing for efficient production of insulin in a lab.

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What is the role of restriction enzymes in biotechnology?

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Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for the manipulation and recombination of DNA.