Homework

<aside> <img src="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" alt="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" width="40px" /> This homework is based off of the Week 7 Lab. This is a good week to start honing in final projects and focusing on developing / researching protocol.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/push-pin_green.svg" alt="/icons/push-pin_green.svg" width="40px" /> Key Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DwQ7I2By4BIKbnY48m6iQ_081TFI-C4xmoVOrPgcNVQ/edit?tab=t.0

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How do endoribonucleases (ERNs) work to decrease protein levels? Name 2 differences between how ERNs work and how proteases work.

Endoribonucleases cut inside DNA sequence and generate two fragments of DNA, therefore upon the DNA breakage it cannot translate into protein anymore and the protein level decreases.

Two dfferences between ERNs and proteases-

ERNs break down the nucleotides, proteases break down the proteins.
ERNs break specific sites or in recognition sites, proteases are usually random.

How does lipofectamine 3000 work? How does DNA get into human cells and how is it expressed?

Transfection using lipid-vesicled structures, Lipofectamine 3000 is a lipid-based transfection reagent used to deliver nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) into mammalian cells efficiently. It works by forming lipid-DNA complexes that facilitate cellular uptake through endocytosis.

Upon transfection with lipofectamine 3000, human cells go through endocytosis and uptake the DNA that has been carried by the lipofectamine 3000. Then the DNA moves to the nucleus where transcription occurs and then transferred to cytoplasm (ribosome) for translation. The DNA may also get integrated into the genome of human cells, and then express constitutively.

Explain what poly-transfection is and why it’s useful when building neuromorphic circuits.

Poly-transfection is basically multiple genes or genetic constructs getting transfected all at once.

Neuromorphic circuits often require multiple genes to function together, such as ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and synaptic proteins. Poly-transfection ensures that different components of a synthetic neural network are expressed within the same cells, enabling coordinated activity.

By transfecting different neuronal cell populations with complementary genetic constructs (e.g., one encoding neurotransmitter release machinery and another encoding receptor proteins), artificial synaptic connections can be established.

<aside> <img src="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" alt="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Responses should be no more than 1 paragraph each, and hand drawn diagrams (iPad, digital or paper) are HIGHLY encouraged

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