Study questions
The following
questions are intended as a guide to help you focus your studying. You
must, however, do more than memorize the answers to each of these questions.
You need to understand the material and be able to discuss the concepts
in your own words. Use active study techniques as much as possible (i.e.,
you must do more than just read over your answers many times). I also recommend
that you take advantage of the learning resources at the end of each chapter
in the textbook, including the associated exercises on the textbook website
(www.essentialbiology.com).
back to Study Aids
Chapter
11: How Genes are Controlled
1. What is gene regulation? How is gene regulation related to cellular differentiation (specialization in structure and function)?
2. Be able to describe the process of nuclear transplantation. What is the purpose of this technology?
3. For reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning, be able to discuss for each 1) the steps, 2) potential applications, and 3) potential ethical or safety concerns with the technology.
4. What are stem cells? What are the different types of stem cells? Where is each type found in the body? How is each type obtained for use? What is the potential for differentiation for each type?
Chapter 12: DNA Technology
1.
Explain how recombinant DNA is formed. What is a restriction enzyme (or
restriction endonuclease enzyme) and what is its function?
2. Explain and describe the three applications of recombinant DNA technology
we discussed in class (i.e., genetically modified foods, gene therapy, and industrial
production of important proteins, such as BST or insulin).
3. Be prepared to discuss safety and ethical concerns regarding the use of recombinant
DNA technology.
4. For the DNA fingerprinting section of the chapter, refer to the study
questions from the DNA fingerprinting lab.
Biotechnology Case Studies
There will be an essay question related to the biotechnology case studies. You will choose one question among several to answer regarding ethical issues surrounding use of the various DNA technologies (e.g., cloning, gene therapy, embryonic stem cell research, genetically modified organisms).
back to
top
