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DNA isolation and start-up PCR

14 important questions on DNA isolation and start-up PCR

Alu is a "defective" transposon, what does that mean?

It lacks the enzyme functions to produce a DNA copy of itself and to integrate into a new chromosome position.
It needs the help of a second element Ac (activator)

Alu lacks the function to produce a DNA copy of itself. Is there another way to obtain these function?

Yes, from another transposon, calles L1, a Long INterspered Element (LINE).

What is an rt gene?

Reverse transcriptase (RT), also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, is a DNA polymerase enzyme that transcribes single-stranded RNA into DNA. This enzyme is able to synthesize a double helix DNA once the RNA has been reverse transcribed in a first step into a single-strand DNA;

What is a nick in DNA?

A discontinuity in a double stranded DNA molecule where there is no phosphodiester bond between adjacent nucleotides of one strand typically through damage or enzyme action.

Where does the rt enzyme produces a nick in the current model?

At a chromosal locus containing the sequence AATTTT.

Why are Alus regarded as selfish DNA?

It encodes no protein and appears to exist only for its own replication.

Why do some scientists believe that transposable elements have played an important role in evolution

Because they created new mutations and gene combinations.

What was the hypothesis from Barabara McClintock?

That transponsable elements provide a mechanism to rapidly reorganize the genome in response to environmental stress.

Alu, the ds transposable element was discovered in?

Corn, by McClintock

How do we sort Alu element?

They can be sorted into distinct lineages, or families, according to inherited patterns of new mutations.

The rate of Alu transposition has changed over time. How?

From about one new jump in every live birth, early in primate evolution, to about one in every 200 newborns today.
Taken together, this pattern suggests that, at any point in time, only one or several Alu "masters" are capable of transposing.

What happens once an Alu inserts at a chromosome locus?

It can copy itself for transpositionn, but there is no evidence that it is ever excised or lost from a chromosome locus.

Most Alu mutations are "fixed", meaning ?

That both of the paired chromosomes have an insertio at the same locus (position)

What is meant by stating that a number of human-specific Alus are dimorphic?

An insertion may be present or absent on each of the paired chromosomes of different people. These dimorphic Alus inserted within the last million years, during the evolution and dispersion of modern humans.

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Molecular Biology LABO

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DNA isolation and start-up PCR

14 important questions on DNA isolation and start-up PCR

Alu is a "defective" transposon, what does that mean?

Alu lacks the function to produce a DNA copy of itself. Is there another way to obtain these function?

What is an rt gene?

What is a nick in DNA?

Where does the rt enzyme produces a nick in the current model?

Why are Alus regarded as selfish DNA?

Why do some scientists believe that transposable elements have played an important role in evolution

What was the hypothesis from Barabara McClintock?

Alu, the ds transposable element was discovered in?

How do we sort Alu element?

The rate of Alu transposition has changed over time. How?

What happens once an Alu inserts at a chromosome locus?

Most Alu mutations are "fixed", meaning ?

What is meant by stating that a number of human-specific Alus are dimorphic?

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