benefits of using GM bacteria, plants and animals | larger yield
faster supply-demand |
the effect of MDMA (ecstasy) on a synapse | binds to molecules in the presynaptic membrane responsible for transporting serotonin back into the cytoplasm
MDMA may cause the molecules to work in reverse
increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft
thus causing the mood change |
the effects of ecstasy | affects thinking, mood and memory
users report feelings of euphoria, well-being and enhanced senses
side effects include clouded thinking, agitation, sweating, dry mouth and hypothermia
repeated doses can cause hyperthermia, high blood pressure, muscle breakdown and kidney failure which can be fatal
long term effects include insomnia, depression and other psychological problems |
define genome | all the DNA of an organism including genes needed for protein synthesis |
what is the human genome project? | officially launched in 1990 by the US and UK
scientist decipher the whole of the human genome to understand the way genes control our phenotype
research has led to understanding and improved treatment of gene-based diseases |
SNP | single nucleotide polymorphism
a DNA sequence variation that occurs when a single nucleotide in the genome is altered in at least 1% of the population with one base substituted for antother |
social, moral and ethical issues with genome sequencing to obtain personalised medicines | who should decide about the use of tests and on whom should they be used?
making and keeping records of individual genotypes raises issues of confidentiality
medical treatments through the development of genetic technologies will initially be very expensive
restricted availability of many medical treatments will be a problem to health services in deciding who is eligible for treatment |
pharmacogenomics | the study of how a person's unique genetic makeup (genome) influences their response to medication |
genetic modification | also know as genetic engineering or genetic recombination
the introduction of genetic material from another organism |
pharming | using GMO microbes, animals and plants to produce therapeutic proteins and vaccines |
GMO | genetically modified organisms
they are transgenic
organims with genetic material from another |
describe the sequence of events involved in genetically modifying a bacterium cell | plasmid is extracted and cut with restriction enzymes
an isolated human gene is spliced into the plasmid
the modified plasmid is put back into the bacterial cell
the cells are left to multiply in a fermenter
the bacterial cell can now produced human proteins like insulin
the proteins are extracted and purified whilst the bacteria is destroyed |
describe the sequence of events involved in genetically modifying a plant using a gene gun | plasmid with desired gene and antibiotic resistant gene
gene gun filled with DNA coated gold/tungsten bullets
gene gun fires bullets at high velocity into the plant cell
foreign gene incorporated into the plant chromosome transforming the plant cell
plate cells in antibiotic, only transformed cells selected
micro-propagation
all the cells in the transgenic plant have the new gene |
micro-propagation | transformed cells grow in a sterile culture medium containing sucrose, amino acids, inorganic ions, and plant growth substances |
risks of using GM bacteria, plants and animals | antibiotic/herbicide resistance spreading
harmful products from new genes
violating animal rights
transfer of viruses from animals to humans
environmental damage
lack of choice
unfair use for rich countries |
benefits of using GM bacteria, plants and animals | larger crop yield
faster supply-demand
less need for pesticides/herbicides
less cost for food and drug production |
how did Katz and Crowley identify the innate structure of the column of dominance of the occipital lobe? | they worked with ferrets
injected labelled tracers
this showed that the columns of dominance were formed before the critical period |
outline Hubel and Wiesels experiments | closed one eye of a kitten for several months
opened up the eye and discovered that the kitten was blind in one eye
repeated this for adult cats
adult cats maintained vision in both eyes
repeated this in both young and adult monkeys
got the exact same results in monkeys as in the kittens and cats |
what did Hubel and Wiesel's experiments prove? | they were the first to discover the columns of dominance in the visual cortex
they proved that the visual cortex only develops normally when both eyes receive visual stimulation
they found out that the columns of dominance for the deprived eye had shrunk whilst the columns for the deprived eye had expanded |