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TASBiologyQuick questions
Unit 3: Heredity and Continuity of Life
Quick questions on Biotechnology - TCE Biology (Tasmania)
3short 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 gel electrophoresis?Show answer
Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. DNA is loaded into wells in a gel and an electric current is applied. Because DNA is negatively charged (due to its phosphate groups), it moves towards the positive electrode. Smaller fragments move through the gel mesh faster and travel further, so fragments separate into bands by length.
What is recombinant DNA technology?Show answer
Recombinant DNA technology, or genetic engineering, transfers a gene from one organism into another. A typical workflow:
What is cRISPR-Cas9 gene editing?Show answer
CRISPR-Cas9 allows precise editing of a specific DNA sequence. A short guide RNA is designed to match the target sequence and directs the Cas9 enzyme to that exact location, where Cas9 cuts both strands of the DNA. The cell then repairs the cut, and during repair scientists can disable a gene or insert a new sequence. CRISPR is faster, cheaper, and more precise than older methods, with potential applications in treating genetic diseases, improving crops, and research.
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