Microbiology: An Introduction (13th Edition)
Microbiology: An Introduction (13th Edition)
13th Edition
ISBN: 9780134605180
Author: Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, Christine L. Case, Derek Weber, Warner Bair
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Chapter 9, Problem 1R

Compare and contrast the following terms:

  1. a. cDNA and gene
  2. b. restriction fragment and gene
  3. c. DNA probe and gene
  4. d. DNA polymerase and DNA ligase
  5. e. rDNA and cDNA
  6. f. genome and proteome
Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To review:

The similarities and differences between the given terms: cDNA and gene, RFLP and gene, DNA probe and gene, DNA polymerase and DNA ligase, rDNA and cDNA, genome and proteome.

Introduction:

A genome represents the entire set of genetic material of an organism. It is stored in chromosomes and contains all the information required for growth and the survival of that organism. Genes are DNA that contain instructions either for coding a specific protein or to perform a specific function. Eukaryotic genes consist of two parts, namely exon (coding regions) and intron (non-coding regions). The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA (transcription) and RNA to protein (translation) is known as the central dogma of molecular biology. Messenger RNA, a single stranded nucleotide sequence, is called as the sense strand since it is the code of a product (protein). A complete set of proteins coded by an organism’s genome is referred to as proteome.

Explanation of Solution

Tabular representation:

S.NO.TERMSSIMILARITIESDIFFERENCES
a.cDNA DNADNA synthesized from mature mRNA (reverse transcriptase enzyme)
GeneDNA that codes for a specific protein or function
b.RFLP DNADigested fragments of DNA (restriction enzyme)
GeneDNA that codes for a specific protein or function
c.DNA probe DNAShort stretches of labelled DNA to identify clones
GeneDNA that codes for a specific protein or function
d.DNA polymerase EnzymeEnzyme which catalyzes the DNA synthesis
DNA ligaseEnzyme that links the backbone of DNA strands
e.rDNA DNADNA made by joining DNA molecules from different sources
cDNADNA synthesized from mature mRNA (reverse transcriptase enzyme)
f.GenomeEntire set of genetic material of an organism
ProteomeComplete protein set expressed by a genome

Explanation:

  1. a. cDNA and Gene

Synthesis of DNA from a mature mRNA strand is catalysed by reverse transcriptase enzyme. The DNA synthesized is referred to as complementary DNA (cDNA).

DNA that contains instructions either for coding a specific protein or to perform a specific function is known as a gene.

  1. b. RFLP and Gene

Using restriction enzymes, DNA under study can be digested into thousands of pieces of different sizes. These fragments of DNA are referred to as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

DNA that contains instructions either for coding a specific protein or to perform a specific function is known as a gene.

  1. c. DNA probe and Gene

In the laboratory, genes which confer an interested phenotype (enzyme or drug-resistance) can be isolated and integrated into a vector. These recombinant vectors taken up by a cell (bacterial or eukaryotic cells) can be grown in an ideal medium to produce many genetically identical copies of the gene. Clone refers to the production of identical cells carrying a desired plasmid. Short stretches of labelled DNA (single-stranded) that are complementary to the gene of interest are synthesized. They are referred to as DNA probes and are used in the identification of clones. On finding the appropriate match, DNA probes bind to the target gene. In order to facilitate detection, such DNA probes are labelled with epitopes, fluorophores or radioisotopes.

DNA that contains instructions either for coding a specific protein or to perform a specific function is known as a gene.

  1. d. DNA polymerase and DNA ligase

DNA polymerase is an enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of DNA using four deoxyribonucleotides (building blocks of DNA).

DNA ligase is an enzyme which facilitates the ligation of DNA strands (joining two fragments of nucleic acid). It catalyses the formation of two covalent phosphodiester bonds between the 5′ phosphate end of one nucleotide and 3′ hydroxyl end of another.

  1. e. rDNA and cDNA

In recombinant DNA technology, genes which confer an interested phenotype (drug-resistant genes) can be isolated and integrated into a vector. Such vectors, DNA molecule, act as a vehicle and aid in the transfer of foreign genes into another cell (bacterial or eukaryotic cell). DNA molecules, artificially modified in laboratory conditions that carry desired genes isolated from different organisms, are referred to as recombinant DNA (rDNA).

The synthesis of DNA from a mature mRNA is catalysed by reverse transcriptase enzyme. The DNA synthesized is referred to as complementary DNA (cDNA).

  1. f. Genome and proteome

Genome represents the entire set of genetic materials of an organism. Complete set of proteins coded by an organism’s genome is referred to as proteome.

Conclusion

The similarities and differences between cDNA and gene, RFLP and gene, DNA probe and gene, DNA polymerase and DNA ligase, rDNA and cDNA, genome and proteome are described.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Compare and contrast the following terms: cDNA and gene Restriction fragment and gene DNA probe and gene Genome and proteome
What is a cloning vector?   A. The DNA probe used to locate a particular gene in the genome.   B. An agent such as plasmid, used to transfer DNA from an in vitro solution into a living cell.   C. The laboratory apparatus used to clone genes.         D.  An enzyme that cuts DNA into restriction fragments.
Put the following tasks in the order they would occur during a DNA cloning experiment. a. using DNA ligase to seal DNA fragments into vectors b. using a probe to identify a clone in the library c. sequencing the DNA of the clone d. making a DNA library of clones e. cutting genomic DNA with restriction enzymes
Knowledge Booster
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
    • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
    Recommended textbooks for you
  • BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305967359
    Author:STARR
    Publisher:CENGAGE L
  • BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305967359
    Author:STARR
    Publisher:CENGAGE L
    Molecular Techniques: Basic Concepts; Author: Dr. A's Clinical Lab Videos;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HFHZy8h6z0;License: Standard Youtube License