Biology Assignment-3
ABHISHEK
24BCS10021
201-B
1. Explain the tools, process, and applications of rDNA technology
Tools of rDNA Technology:
1. Restriction Enzymes (Molecular Scissors): Used to cut DNA at specific sequences.
Example: EcoRI, HindIII.
2. Vectors: DNA molecules that carry foreign DNA into a host cell. Example: Plasmids,
bacteriophages.
3. DNA Ligase (Molecular Glue): Joins the cut DNA fragments together.
4. Host Organisms: Usually bacteria (like E. coli) used to replicate recombinant DNA.
5. Selectable Markers: Help identify cells that have successfully taken up the recombinant
DNA. Example: Antibiotic resistance genes.
Process of rDNA Technology:
1. Isolation of DNA: Extract DNA from donor organism.
2. Cutting DNA at specific sites: Use restriction enzymes to cut both the donor DNA and
vector DNA.
3. Ligation of DNA fragments: DNA fragments are inserted into vectors using DNA ligase.
4. Transformation: Recombinant DNA is introduced into the host cell.
5. Selection and Screening: Host cells are screened to find the ones that successfully took up
the recombinant DNA.
6. Cloning and Expression: Cloned DNA is replicated and expressed to produce desired
proteins.
Applications of rDNA Technology:
- Medicine: Production of insulin, growth hormones, vaccines.
- Agriculture: Genetically modified crops with better yield and resistance.
- Research: Gene function studies, disease models.
- Industry: Enzyme production for detergents, food, etc.
2. Explain the concept of stem cells, describe their various types, and
elaborate on their diverse applications
Concept of Stem Cells:
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into
specialized cell types.
Types of Stem Cells:
1. Embryonic Stem Cells: Derived from embryos. Pluripotent (can become any cell type).
2. Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells: Found in various tissues (bone marrow, brain). Multipotent
(limited types of cells).
3. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Adult cells reprogrammed to behave like
embryonic stem cells.
4. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Found in bone marrow and fat. Can form bone, cartilage,
and fat cells.
Applications of Stem Cells:
- Regenerative Medicine: Repairing damaged tissues and organs.
- Blood Disorders: Treating leukemia and lymphoma via bone marrow transplants.
- Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury treatments under research.
- Drug Testing: Testing new drugs on stem cell-derived tissues.
- Genetic Research: Understanding genetic diseases and developmental biology.
3. Explain tissue engineering and its process in creating functional
biological tissues
What is Tissue Engineering?
A multidisciplinary field that combines biology, engineering, and materials science to create
artificial tissues and organs.
Process of Tissue Engineering:
1. Cell Sourcing: Cells are obtained from the patient (autologous), donor (allogeneic), or
stem cells.
2. Scaffold Design: Biocompatible structures that support cell attachment and tissue growth.
3. Cell Seeding: Cells are added to the scaffold and allowed to grow.
4. Bioreactor Culturing: Conditions like oxygen, nutrients, and mechanical stress are
controlled to mimic the body.
5. Implantation: The engineered tissue is implanted into the patient’s body.
Applications of Tissue Engineering:
- Skin Grafts: For burn victims.
- Bone and Cartilage Repair: In orthopedic treatments.
- Artificial Organs: Research ongoing for heart, liver, and kidney.
- Nerve Regeneration: Helping repair spinal cord injuries.
- Dental and Eye Tissues: Regeneration of cornea and jawbone.
