Virtual Lab-Gene Splicing Name:______
Directions:
· Open the following link: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_22/BL_22.html
· Follow the procedure in the Virtual Lab.
· Record your observations in the table and the answers to the 7 questions in the journal, or copy and paste them to this word document. Make sure you put your data/answers to the questions in a different color so that I can see them easily.
To the right insert a Screenshot of your Recombinant Plasmid
To the right insert a Screenshot of your Transgenic Organism
Table I:
Genetic Trait / Host Organism / DNA sequence of Genetic Trait (gene) / Restriction Enzyme used / Viable Transgenic Organism Made (Y/N)Highlight the correct answer.
1. Restriction enzymes:
a. Were originally isolated from bacteria
b. Only cut DNA at random sequences
c. Can cut DNA at specific sequences
d. Always leave blunt ends
e. A and C
2. A proper Watson-Crick DNA base pair is:
a. A-G
b. C-T
c. A-T
d. None of the above
3. “Sticky ends” allow DNA fragments to be spliced into vectors by what type of bonding?
a. Ionic
b. Covalent
c. Hydrogen
d. None of the above
4. The enzyme ligase:
a. Cuts DNA and creates blunt ends
b. Cuts DNA and creates sticky ends
c. Completes the splicing of DNA fragments and plasmid vectors
d. None of the above
5. You cut a vector with the following DNA base overhang (“sticky end”):
ACCTGGACTTA
CCTGAAT
You will need to cut out the DNA fragment containing your gene of interest so that which sticky end is created?
a. XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXTGGA
b. XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXACCT
c. XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXTCCA
d. XXXXXXXX
Questions: (Answer the questions below in a different color) You may use the following resources to help with this if necessary.
http://www.iptv.org/exploremore/ge/what/recombinant.cfm
http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/68134-Genetic-Engineering
1. DNA is made up of two separate strands of base sequences. The same sequence is found on both strands, but running in opposite directions. What word describes this characteristic?
2. What does the term “Sticky Ends” refer to in gene splicing?
3. What is a plasmid and how is it used in gene splicing?
4. What types of vectors are used to carry DNA from one species into the DNA of another species? Give examples.
5. What is a transgenic organism? Give examples.
6. Why is it essential that the same restriction enzyme be used to cleave (cut) the DNA of both organisms used to create a transgenic organism?
7. Are there any factors other than technical ones that might slow – or even prevent – the use of bioengineering?
8. Do you think it is ethical to create genetically engineer organisms based on the risks you learned about?