chapter 15 biotech

Selective breeding

The process of selecting a few organisms with desired traits to serve as parents of the next generation

What is biotechnology?

A form of technology that uses living organisms, usually genes, to modify products.

What is one application of biotechnology?

To make or modify plants and animals.

What is another purpose of biotechnology?

To develop microorganisms for specific purposes.

hybridization

Breeding technique that involves crossing dissimilar individuals to bring together the best traits of both organisms

inbreeding

Continued breeding of individuals with similar characteristics

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

technique that allows molecular biologists to make many copies of a particular gene

Recombinant DNA

DNA produced by combining DNA from different sources

genetic marker

alleles that produce detectable phenotypic differences useful in genetic analysis

plasmid

small, circular piece of DNA located in the cytoplasm of many bacteria

transgenic

term used to refer to an organism that contains genes from other organisms

clone

An organism that is genetically identical to the organism from which it was produced

Gene Therapy

the transplantation of normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones in order to correct genetic disorders.

What is a DNA microarray?

It consists of thousands of microscopic, distinct DNA probes spotted in an ordered grid on a solid surface (e.g., glass).

What does a DNA microarray measure?

It measures gene expression levels or detects genetic mutations.

How does a DNA microarray identify complementary binding?

By hybridization of labeled sample molecules.

What is DNA fingerprinting?

Analysis of sections of DNA that vary widely from one individual to another.

What is the purpose of DNA fingerprinting?

To identify individuals.

What type of DNA sections are analyzed in DNA fingerprinting?

Sections of DNA that have little or no known function.

forensics

scientific study of crime scene evidence