Plasmids and Other Vectors Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated
Book a free 10-min call See pricing

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

What is a plasmid?

A plasmid is a small, circular loop of DNA found in bacteria.

Where in a bacterial cell would you find plasmids?

Plasmids are found in the cytoplasm, separate from the main bacterial chromosome.

What is meant by a vector in genetic engineering?

A vector is something that carries a gene into a cell or organism.

Why are plasmids useful as vectors in genetic engineering?

Plasmids are small, easy to move between cells, and can copy themselves.

How is a plasmid used to transfer a new gene into bacteria?

The new gene is put into the plasmid, and the plasmid is then put into bacteria.

What does it mean when we say plasmids replicate independently?

It means plasmids can copy themselves without the main bacterial chromosome copying.

What type of organism is most often given new genes using plasmid vectors?

Bacteria are most often given new genes using plasmid vectors.

Name one type of vector other than plasmids.

Viruses are another type of vector used in genetic engineering.

How can a virus act as a vector?

A virus can carry a new gene and inject it into a host cell.

Why do scientists use vectors instead of adding DNA straight into cells?

Vectors help the new DNA enter cells more easily and be used by the cells.

Previous Topic
Back to Lesson
Next Topic