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Transferin is a protein used to treat the blood disorder anaemia in humans - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 10 - 2023
Question 10
Transferin is a protein used to treat the blood disorder anaemia in humans. Artificial chromosomes are used in recombinant DNA technology to genetically modify yea... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Transferin is a protein used to treat the blood disorder anaemia in humans - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 10 - 2023
Step 1
Step 2
(ii) State why an artificial chromosome rather than a plasmid may be used in recombinant DNA technology.
Answer
An artificial chromosome may be used instead of a plasmid because it can carry larger or longer sequences of DNA, which is essential for incorporating the necessary genes, such as that for human transferrin.
Step 3
Explain why the same restriction endonuclease is used in stages 1 and 2.
Answer
The same restriction endonuclease is used in stages 1 and 2 to ensure that the gene for human transferrin and the artificial chromosome have matching sticky ends. This complementarity allows for the correct attachment of the gene into the artificial chromosome.
Step 4
Step 5
Explain this result.
Answer
Only culture P grew on the plate because the yeast cells in culture P had picked up the artificial chromosome containing the selectable marker gene, allowing them to synthesise leucine. In contrast, culture Q did not acquire the artificial chromosome and hence could not produce leucine, preventing growth on the medium lacking this amino acid.