18. Biotechnology

The expression of the Pax-6 gene when vertebrate and fruit fly versions of the gene are exchanged between these animal groups illustrates __________.

In recombinant DNA technology, the term vector refers to __________.

An enzyme that cuts DNA at a symmetrical sequence of bases is called __________.

When a typical restriction enzyme cuts a DNA molecule, the cuts are staggered so that the DNA fragments have single-stranded ends. This is important in recombinant DNA work because __________.

In genetic engineering, sticky end refers to __________.

A scientist wishing to create an organism capable of breaking down several kinds of toxic waste combines genes from several species of bacteria to create a single "superbacterium." Which of the following would be needed for this project?

DNA synthesized using an RNA template is called __________.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) __________.

All of the following are current applications of DNA technology in medicine except __________.

Nuclear transplantation involves __________.

Dolly, the sheep, was cloned from an adult cell. She had a number of health problems and died at a relatively young age. Three mules that were born in 2003 were cloned from fetal cells. If it turns out that the mules remain healthy and live normal lives, how would this outcome tie in with Gurdon's observations with tadpoles?

All of the following are true regarding induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells except __________.

A genetic marker is __________.

Human nerve cells differ from human muscle cells because different sets of genes are expressed; in each type of cell, different genes are transcribed into mRNA and translated into protein. Which of the following techniques would be the most efficient way to identify the genes that these cells express?

Gene therapy involves __________.

Which of the following would be considered a transgenic organism?

Transgenic organisms can be scientifically or commercially useful only if __________.

Transgene escape would occur if __________.

What does the "Bt" in Bt maize refer to?

Which of the following can be done by using biotechnology but cannot be done using traditional agricultural breeding practices?

Today, it is fairly easy to make transgenic plants and animals. What are some important safety and ethical issues raised by this use of recombinant DNA technology? What are some of the possible dangers of introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment? What are some reasons for and against leaving decisions in these areas to scientists? To business owners and executives? What are some reasons for and against more public involvement? How might these decisions affect you? How do you think these decisions should be made?

In the not-too-distant future, gene therapy may be an option for the treatment and cure of some inherited disorders. What do you think are the most serious ethical issues that must be dealt with before human gene therapy is used on a large scale? Why do you think these issues are important?

SCIENTIFIC THINKING Scientists investigate hypotheses using a variety of methods, depending on the circumstances behind the research. Human nutrition studies (such as those studying whether GMO foods have any health effects) are particularly problematic. Can you design a hypothetical human nutrition study to test whether GMO corn is less healthy than traditional corn? Can you identify real-world problems that may interfere with your design and confound your results?

The fruits of wild species of tomato are tiny compared with the giant beefsteak tomatoes available today. This difference in fruit size is almost entirely due to the larger number of cells in the domesticated fruits. Plant biologists have recently discovered genes that are responsible for controlling cell division in tomatoes. Why would such a discovery be important to producers of other kinds of fruits and vegetables? To the study of human development and disease? To our basic understanding of biology?