More Genetics Tools: Cloning and Genetic Engineering

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cloning and genetic engineering.

Cloning

The process of creating identical copies of an organism or DNA fragment.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that have been genetically modified to contain a gene or genes from another species.

Restriction Enzyme

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences, creating fragments for cloning.

Vector

A carrier DNA molecule used to transfer foreign genetic material into a host cell.

cDNA (complementary DNA)

Synthetic DNA created from an RNA template through the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Blotting Techniques

Laboratory methods used for detecting DNA, RNA, or proteins when they are separated by size.

Microarray

A tool used to study the expression of many genes at once by examining the mRNA produced.

Selectable Marker

A gene introduced into a vector that allows for the identification of cells that have successfully taken up the vector.

Screenable Marker

A gene that can be used to differentiate between host cells that have taken up a plasmid with an insert vs. one without.

Library Screening Method

A technique used to identify and isolate specific DNA fragments from a library of cloned DNA.

Functional Complementation

A method used to identify genes by assessing the ability of potential gene candidates to restore a normal phenotype in a mutant.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been artificially made by combining DNA from different organisms.

Transduction

A method of transferring DNA from one bacterium to another using a virus.

Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC)

A vector used to clone large DNA fragments, typically 100-300 kb.

Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC)

A vector that allows for the cloning of very large DNA fragments, up to 1 Mb, in yeast cells.