Biotechnology Review Questions

1. What is the function of each of the following in genetic engineering? 
   vector
   restriction enzyme
   DNA ligase
   polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
2. What are some techniques that are used to transfer DNA in plants? [answer] in animals? [answer] [also answer]
3. What are "sticky ends". How are they formed? [answer]
4. What is complementary DNA (cDNA)? [answer]
5. List some human products that are now synthesized (or soon will be) by bacteria. [answer]
6. What are DNA probes and how do they work? [answer 1, answer 2]
7. What is a transgenic organism? [answer]
8. What substances are needed to carry out a polymerase chain reaction? [answer]
9. What type of vectors are used in ex vivo gene therapy? [answer]
10. Suppose that an investigator wanted to use DNA fingerprinting to associate a blood sample with a criminal. What materials would be necessary? [answer]
11. What is gel electrophoresis? How does it work? [answer]