Exam 17: Recombinant DNA Technology

In recombinant DNA technology,a YAC is an enzyme isolated from a large South American,four-legged mammal.

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction)protocol that is currently used in laboratories was facilitated by the discovery of a bacterium called Thermus aquaticus in a hot spring inside Yellowstone National Park,in Wyoming.This organism contains a heat-stable form of DNA polymerase known as Taq polymerase,which continues to function even after it has been heated to 95°C.Why would such a heat-stable polymerase be beneficial in PCR?

Name at least two typical characteristics of a DNA cloning plasmid.

Over the years,sophisticated plasmid vectors have been developed for use in recombinant DNA technology.List at least two features that have been introduced in particularly useful vectors.

Assume that a given plasmid vector to be used in a cloning experiment contains 4000 base pairs of DNA.Assume also that the restriction endonuclease Cuj cuts this plasmid at the following sites (starting from an arbitrary zero point): 1000,1500,and 3000.Given complete digestion of the plasmid with the endonuclease so that only linear fragments are produced,what sizes of DNA are expected?

What is meant by the designation EcoRI?

List,in order,the steps usually followed in producing recombinant DNA molecules in a plasmid vector.

In recombinant DNA technology,YAC,RFLP,and λ have identical uses.

Which term refers to the process in which DNA can be introduced into host bacterial cells?

What is a cDNA molecule?