DNA Replication and Biotechnologies

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to DNA replication and various biotechnological applications as outlined in the lecture notes.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, ensuring that both daughter cells receive an identical set of chromosomes.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, creating billions of copies from a small initial sample.

Gel Electrophoresis

A method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel matrix.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Repeated sequences of DNA, which are used in profiling due to their variability among individuals.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein synthesis.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes decode mRNA to produce proteins by assembling amino acids.

Regulatory Sequence

A part of a gene that determines when and how much protein is produced by controlling transcription.

Coding Sequence

The portion of a gene that dictates the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a corresponding codon in mRNA.

Non-coding DNA

Regions of DNA that do not code for proteins, making up a significant portion of the genome.

DNA Profiling

A technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns, usually involving STR analysis.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that has been genetically modified to contain genes from another species.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The framework explaining the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been artificially formed by combining constituents from different organisms.

Harnessing Biotechnology

Using biological systems or living organisms to develop or create products, improve plants or animals, or develop microorganisms for specific uses.