Why was the discovery of reverse transcriptase a momentous event in biology?
What will be an ideal response?
The discovery of retroviruses and their enzyme, reverse transcriptase, provide a significant exception to the central dogma of molecular biology. The central dogma states that genetic information flow is from DNA to RNA to protein. Reverse transcriptase (RT) synthesizes a DNA copy of an RNA molecule. RT has also made possible the ongoing revolution in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Scientists can more easily isolate mRNA for a specific protein and then use reverse transcriptase to make the DNA gene. Then, scientists can find the gene itself amid the full complement of DNA of an organism. The isolated gene and its product can be studied more intensively, and in some cases the gene product is available for use as a medication (e.g., human insulin), vaccine, etc.
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Why would the presence of a specific type of keratin, an intermediate filament protein, in the bloodstream or lymph node be an indicator of metastasis of tumor cells?
A. Intermediate filaments are only found in tumor cells. B. Keratin is only present if its specific cell type is also present. C. Intermediate filament proteins cause cells to clump together. D. Answers b and c are both correct.
According to Donald Perry, how do rainforest birds interact with the Norantea sessilis vine?
a. Birds nest within the shelter of the thorny vine, which repels predators. b. Birds feed on the fruits of the vine, distributing the seeds around the forest in their droppings. c. Birds appear to be overfeeding on the vine's succulent fruits, probably limiting the plant's chances of long-term survival. d. Birds that feed on the nectar of the flowers inadvertently transfer pollen from one vine to another on their feet. e. Birds that feed on the nectar of the flowers inadvertently transfer pollen from one vine to another on their beaks.
Ribozymes were discovered ________ protein enzymes, even though they ________
A) before; only catalyze one type of cellular reaction B) before; are more heat labile than protein enzymes C) after; catalyze many important cellular reactions D) after; are the only catalysts found in bacteria and archaea E) at the same time as; only catalyze one type of cellular reaction
The development of a blood substitute would be welcomed for all of the following reasons EXCEPT which one?
A) Human blood may carry and transmit infectious agents. B) Human blood storage requires refrigeration, which might not be available in developing countries. C) The supply of donated human blood generally cannot keep up with the demand. D) Transfused blood rarely persists for more than a few days in the recipient. E) Typing and cross-matching are necessary with human blood, and the right type may not be available.