Exam 22: Applications and Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

How are gene therapy and recombinant DNA technology related?

The Human Genome Project seeks to rid the human population of genetic disease.

How is a microarray used to scan for mutations in a genome?

Name at least three applications for examining sequence variants such as RFLPs.

Describe, in general terms, the aims of gene therapy.

A restriction fragment is generated by the action of a restriction enzyme (endonuclease).

Which of the following characteristics do SNPs have?

Generally, vaccines are used to stimulate the immune system by providing antigens of potential pathogens. What is the typical composition of a vaccine?

Describe the structure of a DNA microarray and its use.

Which term is commonly used to describe the production of valuable proteins in genetically modified plants and animals?

One of the problems associated with the generation of transgenic plants is that the ecological parameters of many plants are not completely understood.

Once DNA is separated on a gel, it is often desirable to gain some idea of its informational content. How might this be done?

In the past decades, direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have become widespread. Are such tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration?

Under strictly controlled conditions, a probe can be used that will hybridize only with its complementary sequence and not with other sequences that may vary by as little as one nucleotide. What are such probes called?

Direct-to-consumer provides an accurate assessment of physiological and behavioral circumstances within patients that will eventually replace the need for routine visits to the doctor.

Prenatal detection of human diseases has been greatly enhanced by two procedures. Name and briefly describe each.