Genetic Analysis and Recombinant DNA Technology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to genetic analysis and recombinant DNA technology, including definitions and applications of various techniques and technologies.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Deliberately removing genetic material from one organism and combining it with that of a different organism.

Restriction Endonucleases

Enzymes that clip DNA at specific positions, recognizing foreign DNA to act upon.

Palindromes

Sequences of DNA that are identical when read from the 5′ to 3′ direction on one strand and the 5′ to 3′ direction on the other strand.

Sticky Ends

Staggered symmetrical cuts from restriction endonucleases that leave short tails capable of base pairing with complementary tails on other DNA fragments.

RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)

Differences in the cutting patterns of specific restriction endonucleases that result in DNA fragments of different lengths.

cDNA (Complementary DNA)

DNA synthesized from messenger RNA through the action of reverse transcriptase, free of introns.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to rapidly increase the amount of DNA in a sample without culturing or complex purification.

Gene Cloning

The process of removing a selected gene from an organism and inserting it into a cloning vector for replication.

Cloning Vector

A plasmid or virus used to transfer genetic material into a cloning host.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that have foreign genes inserted into their genome through recombinant DNA technology.

Gene Therapy

The repair or correction of a faulty gene to treat human disease, which can be somatic (non-heritable) or germline (heritable).

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene-editing technology that allows for precise alterations to DNA in any organism.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A variation in a single nucleotide that occurs at a specific position in the genome and can affect individual traits.

Gel Electrophoresis

A method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size, producing a readable pattern.

Gene Probes

Short stretches of DNA used to detect the presence of complementary sequences in a sample.

Microarray Technology

A technique that allows researchers to analyze the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously.

miRNA (microRNA)

Small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and can be used in therapies to silence genes associated with disease.