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NSWBiologyQuick questions
Module 6: Genetic Change
Quick questions on Recombinant DNA, CRISPR, whole genome sequencing and gene therapy: HSC Biology Module 6
8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is recombinant DNA technology?Show answer
The classical biotechnology toolkit, established in the 1970s. It combines DNA from different sources into a single molecule.
What is cloning of transgenic species?Show answer
Reproductive cloning. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT): the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an enucleated egg, producing an embryo genetically identical to the donor.
What is worked example?Show answer
Recombinant human insulin: the human insulin gene is cut with restriction enzymes, ligated into a plasmid, transformed into E. coli, and grown in industrial fermenters; the bacteria secrete human insulin, which is purified for clinical use.
What are applications?Show answer
Knock-out cell lines for research, agricultural traits (mildew-resistant wheat, polled cattle, mushroom browning), gene therapy (Casgevy, approved 2023 for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia).
What is reproductive cloning?Show answer
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT): the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an enucleated egg, producing an embryo genetically identical to the donor.
What is q1?Show answer
State the function of each of the following components in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing: (a) the guide RNA, (b) the Cas9 protein, (c) the PAM sequence. [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
A pharmaceutical company sequences 500 patient genomes for a new pharmacogenomic test. If each genome is 3.2 billion base pairs and average sequencing coverage is 30 times, calculate the total number of base pairs sequenced and explain why high coverage is needed. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Compare recombinant DNA technology with CRISPR-Cas9 for producing a transgenic organism. (a) Identify one mechanism difference. (b) Identify one advantage of CRISPR over restriction-enzyme cloning.