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Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

AQA A-level BiologyTopic 13 of 1323 lessons

Revision notes for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in AQA Biology (7402). Every lesson in BrainCake comes with R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps, a quick check and spaced reviews.

  1. Non-coding DNAThe human genome consists of 20-25,000 genes, making up about 2% of the human DNA.
  2. Gel ElectrophoresisGel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments.
  3. DNA ProfilingStrands of DNA are cut into small fragments using restriction endonucleases.
  4. The Polymerase Chain ReactionIn the past, at least 1μg of DNA was required for DNA profiling.
  5. DNA SequencingThe idea of DNA sequencing is to work out the order of nucleotide bases in DNA.
  6. Automated SequencingNowadays, the sequencing reaction takes place on a plastic slide called a flow cell.
  7. Pathogens, DNA BarcodingThe genomes of several pathogens have been sequenced.
  8. Genomics and ProteomicsThere are 10 - 40 times as many proteins as there are genes.
  9. Recombinant DNADNA from two different organisms can be joined together.
  10. Genetic EngineeringOnce the gene is isolated and inserted into a vector (usually a plasmid) the vector is introduced into the host cell.
  11. Genetically Engineering Different OrganismsThe human insulin gene has been engineered into E. coli to produce large quantities of human insulin.
  12. Genetically Engineering PlantsA leaf can be cut and then exposed to Agrobacterium tumefaciens which has been genetically engineered to include a recombinant plasmid.
  13. Ethical Concerns - microorganismsGenetically modified bacteria can be made to produce large quantities of useful substances such as insulin or vaccines or can be used in medical or…
  14. GM plantsAlthough the production of GM plants could help address global issues such as providing food and reducing damage to the environment there are risks…
  15. PatentingCompanies that develop GM crops may apply for patents preventing farmers from growing the crops without payment or harvesting seed so they can grow…
  16. GM animalsGenetically modifying animals is much harder than genetically modifying plants or microorganisms.
  17. Gene TherapySomatic gene therapy involves replacing undesired or faulty alleles in body cells with healthy alleles.
  18. DNA ProbesA DNA probe is a short length of single-stranded DNA with a base sequence that is complementary to part of a target gene or allele.
  19. DNA HybridisationDNA hybridisation is the binding of a single strand of DNA (or RNA) to another single strand with a complementary base sequence.
  20. Locating Specific Alleles with ProbesLabelled DNA probes and DNA hybridisation can be used to find out whether a person carries a particular allele, such as a mutated allele that causes…
  21. Genetic ScreeningGenetic screening is testing a person's DNA for particular alleles, using labelled DNA probes and DNA hybridisation.
  22. Genetic CounsellingGenetic counselling is advice and information given to people about genetic conditions, based on their family history and the results of genetic…
  23. Personalised MedicinePersonalised medicine uses information about a person's genotype to choose the most effective drug and dose for them.

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