Transgenes and Gene Targeting in Mice II

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to transgenes, gene targeting, and mouse models in genetics, particularly focusing on the lecture's discussion about sickle cell disease.

Transgene

A gene or genetic material that has been artificially introduced into an organism.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

A genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted (sickle-shaped) red blood cells.

Transgenic mouse

A mouse that has had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into its genome.

Homologous recombination

A process by which a segment of genetic material is exchanged between similar or identical molecules of DNA.

Knock-out mice

Mice that have had one or more of their genes made inoperative (knocked out) using targeted genetic engineering.

Totipotent cells

Cells that have the potential to differentiate into any cell type, including all cell types that make up an organism.

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells)

Stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst that can differentiate into all cell types.

Chimeric mouse

A mouse that is composed of genetically different cells, often resulting from the fusion of cells from different embryos.

Phenotype

The observed physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

β-globin gene

A gene that encodes one of the components of hemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Targeted homologous recombination

A method that allows for the precise modification or replacement of a specific gene in the genome.

Gene therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease by inserting, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells.

Preimplantation embryo

An early stage of development in mammals before the embryo implants itself into the uterus.

Selection schemes

Methods used to isolate specific cells or organisms that have undergone desired genetic changes.

Dominant trait

A genetic trait that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy of the gene is present.

Endogenous gene

A gene that originates from the same organism; opposite of exogenous (foreign) genes.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Gene X mutation

A specific change or aberration in the DNA sequence of gene X, which may affect its function.

Transfected DNA fragment

A piece of DNA that has been introduced into a cell, often for the purpose of manipulating or studying gene expression.