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The diagram shows a step in protein synthesis - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 33
The diagram shows a step in protein synthesis. (i) Name the process by which mRNA is produced. (ii) Explain why the mRNA moves in the direction shown. (b) A stude... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a step in protein synthesis - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 33 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain why the mRNA moves in the direction shown.
Answer
The mRNA moves from the nucleus to the ribosome in the direction indicated because it is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction during transcription. This movement is facilitated by its interaction with the nuclear pore complexes that allow the mRNA to exit the nucleus. Once in the cytoplasm, the mRNA is transported to the ribosomes where translation occurs.
Step 3
A student conducted an experiment to investigate the rate of enzyme activity.
Answer
The experiment involved measuring the height of a column of oxygen bubbles produced by the enzyme reaction in varying conditions. This setup allowed for the determination of how factors like temperature influenced enzyme activity. Understanding these conditions is critical in biotechnology, particularly in industrial processes where enzymes are utilized to catalyze reactions efficiently. For example, optimizing temperature and pH can significantly enhance the productivity of enzymes used in brewing or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Step 4
Explain why the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used in biotechnology.
Answer
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is employed in biotechnology to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular DNA segment. This is crucial for applications such as genetic testing, forensic analysis, and cloning. PCR allows researchers to work with small samples, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of DNA analysis.
Step 5
Draw a flow chart to show the sequence of events that results in the formation of recombinant DNA.
Answer
- Cut DNA of interest with restriction enzymes.
- This step involves using restriction enzymes to cut both the plasmid and the DNA sequence of interest to produce complementary sticky ends.
- Combine plasmid and DNA of interest.
- The cut plasmid and the foreign DNA are mixed, allowing the sticky ends to anneal.
- Add ligase to seal the fragments.
- DNA ligase is added to paste together the DNA fragments, forming recombinant DNA.
- Transform competent cells with recombinant DNA.
- The recombinant DNA is introduced into competent bacterial cells through transformation.
- Select and grow transformed cells.
- Finally, the bacteria containing the recombinant DNA are selected and grown on a suitable medium to propagate the recombinant DNA.