Name:
Answer the following as thoroughly as you can within this is a WORD document. Increase the space between questions as much as you need.
- What are plasmids? In what organisms are they found? What purpose do they serve in those organisms?
- Why are plasmids useful in the practice of genetic engineering?
- What are restriction enzymes? What organisms are they found in naturally? What purpose do they serve for those organisms?
- What is the “origin of replication” on the plasmid? Why is it important NOT to cut into the origin with a restriction enzyme?
- The antibiotic resistance genes (genes that codes for resistance to specific antibiotics) on the plasmid are used for screening purposes. Explain how those genes are used in this process. (HINT: Refer to the diagram in the Read Me! section)
- Why do you want your restriction enzyme to cut as close as possible to the insulin gene without cutting into it? What would happen if your restriction enzyme cut inside the coding sequence for the insulin gene?
