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Genetic Engineering

The process of manipulating an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.

Biopharmaceuticals

Medicines produced using biotechnology, often involving recombinant DNA technology.

Recombinant DNA technology

A method for combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic material.

Transgenic organisms

Organisms that have been genetically modified to contain DNA from another species.

Gene therapy

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease by inserting a normal gene to replace an abnormal one.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

Synthetic biology

An interdisciplinary branch of biology that involves redesigning organisms for useful purposes by engineering them to have new abilities.

Microarray technology

A tool used to determine the expression levels of many genes at once, allowing for the analysis of gene expression patterns.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS)

A study approach that involves scanning markers across the genomes of many people to find genetic variations associated with a particular disease.

SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency)

A genetic disorder characterized by an absence of T and B lymphocyte function, leading to severe immune deficiency.

Ethical concerns in genetic engineering

Issues related to consumer safety, environmental impact, genetic discrimination, and the moral implications of creating genetically modified organisms.

Erythropoietin

A biopharmaceutical used to treat anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal test that involves taking a small amount of amniotic fluid to analyze genetic information.

Designer babies

A term used to describe genetically modified embryos to enhance certain traits.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, widely used in genetic testing.

Transgenic crops

Crops that have been genetically modified to improve yield, nutrient value, or resistance to pests.

Cloning

The process of creating a genetically identical copy of a biological entity.

Bioreactors

Containers or devices for conducting a chemical reaction, often used in the production of biopharmaceuticals.

Genetic testing

Laboratory tests to identify changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins, often used for diagnosing genetic disorders.