Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Vocabulary flashcards for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.

Biotechnology

The manipulation of biological organisms to make products that benefit human beings.

Transgenics

Transfer of a specific gene from one organism to another.

Clones

Maintenance and growth of genetically uniform plant and animal-cell cultures.

Monoclonal antibiotics (mAbs)

Designed to attack a specific type of foreign substance.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

Laboratory-made proteins that act like antibodies in the body's immune system, potential alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.

Waste management (application of biotechnology)

Used to create new biodegradable materials made from the lactic acid produced when the bacterial individual’s lactic acid molecules are joined chemically.

Thiobacillus ferrooxidants (Mining industry application)

Can use the molecules of copper to form the compound copper sulfate which can be treated chemically to obtain pure copper.

Factor VII (Medicine application)

A protein in the blood that helps blood clot and was produced for use by hemophiliacs.

Hemophilia

A rare disorder in which the blood doesn't clot in the typical way because it doesn't have enough blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors).

Genetic engineering or Recombinant DNA Technology

The alteration of an organism’s genetic or hereditary material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones.

Selective breeding

Done to increase food production. Only those plants or animals with desirable characteristics are chosen for further breeding or to produce offspring.

DNA profiling or fingerprinting

The process itself produces a unique genetic map or fingerprint for each individual.

Restriction enzymes

Act like molecular ‘scissors’ were used to cut the DNA.

Gene Splicing

A technique which scientists use to ‘directly’ alter genetic material to form recombinant DNA.

Vector

An organism that can carry the donor DNA into the host.

Cloning

The process of creating a genetic replica/identical copy of an organism, cell, or tissue.

GMO or GEO

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering technique.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

reduced need for pesticides and herbicides.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMO crops are more resistant to pests, weeds, and other threats.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs can reduce production costs, which can lead to higher profits for producers.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs can increase crop yields, which can help meet the growing demand for food

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs can be engineered to be more nutritious, providing vitamins and other nutrients to people who may not get enough.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs can lead to lower prices for consumers.

ADVANTAGES OF GMOs

They yield products that are found to be safe

DISADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs may cause allergic reactions or introduce new allergens into foods.

ALLERGENS

A type of antigen that sets off an abnormal vigorous immune response, triggering the immune system to fight off perceived threats that are harmless to the body.

DISADVANTAGES OF GMOs

GMOs may increase antibiotic resistance.