Molecular Cloning Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to molecular cloning, including definitions and important characteristics.

Cloning

A technique for locating, isolating, preparing, and studying small segments of DNA derived from much larger chromosomes.

Cloning Vector

Any molecule of DNA that can replicate itself inside a cell and is used for carrying cloned genes or segments of DNA.

Plasmid

Small, closed circular DNA molecules found in many bacteria that can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome.

Restriction Enzyme

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific recognition sequences.

Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a host cell, usually in bacteria.

Antibiotic Resistance Marker

A gene included in a cloning vector that allows for the selection of successfully transformed cells by conferring resistance to an antibiotic.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been formed by combining DNA from different sources.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Multiple Cloning Site (MCS)

A region in a cloning vector containing many restriction enzyme sites for inserting foreign DNA.

Ligation

The process of joining two DNA fragments together using the enzyme DNA ligase.