Introduction to Biotechnology 1 - Exam 1

Which of the following molecules are proteins that function as hormones: estrogen, insulin, human growth hormone, testosterone, or cholesterol?

Estrogen, Insulin, Human Growth Hormones, and Testosterone.

Why do valid experiments contain many trials repeating the same version of an experiment?

Experiments are repeated to ensure there are no errors.

Explain why South San Francisco, California calls itself "The Birthplace of Biotechnology."

Explain why South San Francisco, California calls itself "The Birthplace of Biotechnology."

Name two ways that scientists share their experimental results with other scientists.

publications or presentations

A drug discovery process can take nearly 15 years. Explain why it takes so long to bring a new drug to market.

A drug must demonstrate "proof of concept" which includes things like the possibility to mass produce and deducing what has to happen to ensure safety. It also has to show signs of efficacy in this stage. If this assessment is favorable, the project enters clinical development. Much testing is done as the producers for small and large scale development are determined. If the product is to become a pharmaceutical it must undergo clinical trials under the guidance of the FDA, before it can be marketed. If clinical trials show that it is safe and effective, then the drug can be marketed. On average this process, known as the "product pipeline" can take 10-15 years.

In a conclusion, evidence for statements must be given. Describe the kind of evidence that is given in a conclusion statement.

A good approach for writing an experimental conclusion is to use the "REE, PE, PA method." REE is results with evidence and explanation. PE stands for possible error. PA stands for practical applications. All three of these should exist in a proper results and conclusion.

Which of the following structures are found in eukaryotic cells: a nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, a plasma membrane, or one or more chromosomes?

A membrane bound nucleus, mitochondria, several rod-shaped chromosomes. A membrane bound nucleus, mitochondria, several rod-shaped chromosomes.

Give and example of a plant that has been produced by biotechnology

Alfalfa: herbicide tolerant

Knowledge of what other disciplines of science will improve the understanding of biotechnology?

Biology, Cytology, and physiology, physics, chemistry, engineering

What organism was the first to be genetically engineered?

1973 by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen a bacteria resistant to the antibiotic kanamycin

Biotechnology companies are grouped into four categories based on the products they make and sell. Name the four categories of products.

1. Pharmaceutical/Medical Products 2. Agricultural Products 3. Industrial/Environmental Products 4. Research or production instruments, reagents, or data

Scientific positions in biotechnology labs fall into one of four categories. List them

1. Research and Development 2. Manufacturing and Production 3. Clinical Research 4. Quality Control

Scientific methods used by scientists vary from lab to lab and situation to situation. One approach to scientific studies is to follow a five-step process in which a question is asked and answered. Outline these five steps.

1. State a Testable Scientific Question or Hypothesis 2. Develop a Testable Hypothesis 3. Plan a Valid Experiment 4. Conduct the Outlined Experiment 5. Formulate a conclusion based on experimental data and error analysis

Describe the relationship between chromosomes, mRNA, and proteins.

Genes are carried on chromosomes. Genes code instructions for creating mRNA, and mRNA is used by ribosomes to create proteins.

Explain how making human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is an example of genetic engineering.

Humans make only a small amount of t-PA naturally. By genetically modifying Chinese hamster ovaries cells, scientists an make a large amount of t-PA for therapeutic purposes, such as to clear blood vessels in the event of a heart attack or stroke.

Name a biotechnology product that has a medical use.

Insulin

What was the first commercial genetically engineered product?

Insulin was the first genetically engineered product in 1978.

Which questions must be answered to the satisfaction of company officials before a product goes into research and then into development

Is it possible to produce the amount of drug necessary to treat the required amount of people? What needs to be done to ensure its safety? Which characteristics are indicative of efficacy? Is it stable over time? If we produce it with a different process, will its properties change?

Why might having laboratory experience be a benefit for a nonscientific employee at a biotechnology company?

Lab experience helps the non-scientific personnel communicate and work more productively with all of the other lab personnel.

Does every product in research and development (R&D) make it to market? Explain

No. Often, products are pulled from the product pipeline when testing shows they are not effective.

How are the terms nucleotide, nitrogenous base, and nucleic acid related to each other?

Nucleic acids are related to nitrogenous bases and nucleic acids because nucleotides composed of nitrogenous bases (along with a five-carbon sugar ring and a phosphate group) link together to create nucleic acids.

Which of the following is considered to be "alive": organs, molecules, atoms, cells, or organisms?

Organs, cells and organisms are considered living since they possess the characteristics of living things.

What group of potential products must be tested in clinical trials before it can be marketed?

Pharmaceuticals

What term is used to describe DNA that has been produced by cutting and pasting together pieces of DNA from two different organisms?

Recombinant DNA describes a molecule of DNA produced by cutting and pasting together pieces of DNA from two different organisms.

Which of the follow structures are found in prokaryotic cells: a nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, a plasma membrane, or one or more chromosomes?

Ribosomes, a plasma membrane, one circular chromosome.

What distinguishes one amino acid from another?

Side groups (polar and nonpolar) distinguish them from one another. Amino acids interact with the environment differently based on their side group

Name two antibiotics used as medicines.

amoxicillin and carbenicillin

Besides biotechnology companies, where can biotechnologists work?

big pharmaceutical companies, environmental protection organizations, academia, or government labs

Which of the following are monosaccharides: cellulose, sucrose, glucose, lactose, fructose, or amylopectin?

glucose and fructose

Describe two characteristics of living things.

growth and reproduction

The use of what kind of enzymes allows scientists to cut and paste pieces of DNA together to form recombinant DNA?

restriction enzymes allow the scientists to cut the dna and DNA ligase allows for the pasting of dna

What is Biotechnology?

the application on science and engineering to manipulate cells and their components to produce products or services that may improve the quality of human life

Define the term "Bioethics."

the study of decision-making as it applies to moral decisions that have to be made because of advances in biology, medicine, and technology