Homework — Genetic Circuits Part II

Warning

This homework is based on the Week 7 Lab. It’s a good week to start honing final projects and focusing on developing / researching protocols.

Questions 1–3 (mandatory for all students)

  1. How do endoribonucleases (ERNs) work to decrease protein levels? Name 2 differences between how ERNs work and how proteases work.
  2. How does Lipofectamine 3000 work? How does DNA get into human cells and how is it expressed?
  3. Explain what poly‑transfection is and why it’s useful when building neuromorphic circuits.

Questions 4–6 (added Mar 19; optional for MIT/Harvard, mandatory for Committed Listeners)

  1. Genetic Toggle Switches
    • Provide a detailed explanation of the mechanism behind genetic toggle switches, including how bi‑stability is established and maintained.
    • Describe at least one induction method used to switch states, including molecular signals or environmental factors involved.
    • Note limitations. How many “switches” can we potentially chain? Is there a metabolic cost?
  2. Natural Genetic Circuit Example
    • Identify and describe in detail a naturally occurring genetic circuit, emphasizing its biological function, components, and regulatory interactions.
  3. Synthetic Genetic Circuit
    • Select and critically analyze a synthetic genetic circuit previously engineered by researchers (e.g., pDAWN). Provide details about its construction, components, intended function, and performance.
    • Discuss potential limitations or improvements suggested in subsequent literature or experimental data.