Biotechnology Principles and Processes Exercise 12

Question:

Can you suggest a method to remove oil (hydrocarbon) from seeds based on your understanding of rDNA technology and chemistry of oil?

Answer:

  1. Use a process called ‘bioaugmentation’ to introduce a strain of bacteria that is capable of breaking down hydrocarbons into simpler molecules.

  2. Utilize a process called ‘bioremediation’ to introduce microbes that convert hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.

  3. Utilize a process called ‘phytoremediation’ to introduce plants that can absorb and metabolize hydrocarbons from the soil.

  4. Use a process called ‘solvent extraction’ to extract oil from the seeds using a solvent such as hexane.

  5. Use a process called ‘adsorption’ to bind the oil molecules to a solid surface, such as activated carbon, and then remove the oil from the seeds.

  6. Utilize a process called ‘chemical oxidation’ to chemically break down hydrocarbons into simpler molecules.

Question:

Diagrammatically represent the experimental steps in cloning and expressing a human gene (say the gene for growth hormone) in a bacteria like E. coli?

Answer:

  1. Isolate the gene for human growth hormone from a human cell.

  2. Cut the gene from the human chromosome using a restriction enzyme.

  3. Insert the gene into a plasmid vector.

  4. Transform the plasmid vector into a bacterial cell, such as E. coli.

  5. Select for bacteria that have been successfully transformed.

  6. Induce expression of the gene in the bacterial cell.

  7. Isolate and purify the expressed protein.

Diagram:

[insert diagram]

Question:

Does our blood have proteases and nucleases?

Answer:

Step 1: Determine what proteases and nucleases are.

Step 2: Research if blood contains proteases and nucleases.

Step 3: Analyze the research and draw a conclusion.

Question:

What is gene therapy? Illustrate using the example of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.

Answer:

Gene therapy is a form of treatment that involves replacing, altering, or introducing genes into a person’s cells to treat a disease or condition. An example of gene therapy is the use of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency to treat severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). ADA deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that causes the body to produce too little of the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which is needed to break down certain proteins in the body. Without this enzyme, the body’s immune system is weakened and susceptible to infection.

In gene therapy for ADA deficiency, a functional copy of the ADA gene is inserted into the patient’s cells, usually through a virus vector. This gene will then produce the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which will help the body break down proteins and restore the patient’s immune system. The goal of gene therapy is to replace the faulty gene with a functioning one and restore the patient’s health.

Question:

Consult internet and find out how to make orally active protein pharmaceutical. What is the major problem to be encountered?

Answer:

Step 1: Research the basics of protein pharmaceuticals. Learn about the different types of protein pharmaceuticals and the processes involved in manufacturing them.

Step 2: Research the challenges associated with making orally active protein pharmaceuticals. Understand the differences between orally active and non-orally active protein pharmaceuticals.

Step 3: Identify the major problem associated with making orally active protein pharmaceuticals. Common problems include solubility, bioavailability, and stability.

Step 4: Research potential solutions to the identified problem. Look into strategies such as drug delivery systems, formulation optimization, and chemical modifications.

Question:

Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do not kill the bacteria themselves because- (a) Bacteria are resistant to the toxin (b) Toxin is immature (c) Toxin is inactive (d) Bacteria encloses toxin in a special sac

Answer:

Answer: (a) Bacteria are resistant to the toxin

Question:

Find out from internet what is golden rice.

Answer:

Step 1: Open an internet browser on your computer or device.

Step 2: Type ‘what is golden rice’ into the search bar.

Step 3: Read through the search results and click on a reliable source of information.

Step 4: Read through the information to learn what golden rice is.

Question:

What are Cry proteins? Name an organism that produces it. How has man exploited this protein for his benefit?

Answer:

  1. Cry proteins are proteins found in certain bacteria, plants, and insects that act as a defense mechanism against predators and environmental stressors.

  2. Bacillus thuringiensis is an organism that produces Cry proteins.

  3. Man has exploited Cry proteins by using them as a form of biological pesticide, as they are toxic to certain insect species. They are also used in genetic engineering to introduce desirable traits into crops.

Question:

What are transgenic bacteria? Illustrate using any one example.

Answer:

Answer:

  1. Transgenic bacteria are bacteria that have been genetically modified to contain genetic material from other organisms.

  2. For example, in the early 1990s, scientists developed a strain of genetically modified E. coli bacteria that was able to produce human insulin. This bacteria was used to produce large amounts of human insulin for medical use.

Question:

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops.

Answer:

Step 1: Understand the Question The question is asking to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops.

Step 2: Research the Topic Research the topic of genetically modified crops, including the advantages and disadvantages of producing them.

Step 3: Outline Advantages Outline the advantages of production of genetically modified crops, such as increased crop yields, improved nutrition, resistance to pests and disease, and reduced use of pesticides.

Step 4: Outline Disadvantages Outline the disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops, such as potential health risks, environmental concerns, and economic issues.

Step 5: Compare and Contrast Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops, emphasizing the potential benefits and drawbacks of each.