chapter 18 recombinant DNA and biotechnolgy

genetically modified organism (GMO)

an organism whose genetic material has been deliberately altered using biotechnology or genetic engineering techniques

biotechnology

the use of living organisms, cells or biological molecules to develop products or technologies for applications in medicine, agriculture and research

transgenic organism

an organism that contains a gene from another species that has been introduced using genetic engineering techniques

chemical treatment ( for bacterial transformation)

the use of chemicals ( such as calcium chloride) to make cells - often bacteria- temporarily permeable, allowing foreign DNA (plasmids) to enter during transformation

electroporation

a method that uses a brief electric pulse to create temporary pores in cell membranes, allowing DNA to enter cells during genetic transformation

transformation

the process by which a cell- commonly a bacterium-takes up foreign DNA from tis environment and incorporates or expresses it

plasmid

a small,cicular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the chromosome, commonly used as a vector in genetic engineering. Usually found in bacteria, but also present in yeast (eukaryotic)

recombinant dna

DNA that has been artifically created by combining genetic material from different biological sources, often using plasmids and restriction enzymes

selectable marker gene

a type of reporter gene that allows to isolate cell that carry it ( via antibiotic resistance)

sticky ends

short single-stranded overhangs created by staggered cuts from restriction enzymes, which can base pair with complementary sequences to facilitate DNA ligation

pharming

the use of genetically modified plants or animals to produce pharmaceuticals products

vector

a DNA molecule such as plasmid or viral genome, used to deliver foreign DNA into a host cell for replciation or expression

reporter gene

a detectable gene inserted into recombinant DNA that allows researchers to identify successful DNA uptake, expression, or regulation by producing an easily measured phenotype