Higher Tier Only
Scientists can make the proteins they need outside of living cells (in vitro).
To do this they use cell free protein synthesis kits. The kit includes three different parts:
A template DNA molecule
An extract from bacteria containing mRNA and tRNA nucleotides
A master mix containing amino acids, energy sources, enzymes and ribosomes.
To make a protein the three different parts are mixed together and incubated for 3 hours at 30°C.
(i) Describe the role of the DNA template and mRNA nucleotides in the production of the protein.
[2]
(ii) Describe the role of the tRNA nucleotides and ribosomes in the production of the protein.
[2]
Thirty years ago, identifying a person from their DNA required a large sample of DNA.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique developed in 1983.
PCR allows a single copy or segments of DNA to quickly make multiple copies of a DNA sequence.
(i) Many crimes committed over 30 years ago can now be solved using PCR. Explain why.
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(ii) Which part of the cell cycle takes place in PCR?
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(i) DNA databases involve storing a person’s individual DNA profile. The DNA profile identifies DNA sequences present in an individual.
DNA databases are used by many different organisations.
Solving crimes is one use of a DNA database.
Suggest other reasons why organisations might need a DNA database.
[2]
(ii) Write down one reason why people might not want to be included on a DNA database.
[1]
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