Biology
Frontiers of Genetics Quiz Topics (Ch13)
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What is epigenetics?
o What is meant by the epigenetic signature? Distinguish between the effect of methyl groups &
acetyl groups.
o Describe the structural differences between a gene that is activated and a gene that is repressed.
Define biotechnology & recombinant DNA technology
 What is a plasmid?
o How are plasmids useful to bacteria?
o How are plasmids useful to humans?
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What is a restriction enzyme?
o What natural role do they play in bacteria?
o How are they used by humans?
o What do the “sticky ends” produced by plasmids allow scientists to do?
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Summarize the process of using recombinant DNA technology to clone genes. Why do scientists want to
clone genes?
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What is a genetically modified organism?
o How does the goal of creating a GMO compare to the coal of selective breeding?
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Describe the process of animal cloning
o What does cloning allow/make possible?
o What are some concerns associated with cloning?
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What does PCR (polymerase chain reaction) do?
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How goes gel electrophoresis work?
o Identify three uses of gel electrophoresis
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How does gene regulation in prokaryotes differ from regulation in eukaryotes?
o What is an operon?
 Describe the control mechanism of the Lac operon
o What is cellular differentiation?
o What is special about stem cells?
o What do homeotic genes regulate?