Molecular Genetics - Practical Handbook Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Molecular Genetics practical handbook.

Molecular cloning

A set of experimental methods used to construct recombinant DNA molecules for replication in a host organism.

Cloning vector

A DNA molecule used to transport foreign genetic material into another cell.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify DNA segments by repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Restriction endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences to create fragments with sticky or blunt ends.

DNA ligase

An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Transformation of competent E. coli

The process of introducing foreign DNA into E. coli cells that can take up DNA.

Screening transformants

The methods used to identify E. coli colonies that have successfully taken up recombinant plasmids.

Agarose gel electrophoresis

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

SDS-PAGE

A method to separate proteins based on molecular weight using a polyacrylamide gel.

Coomassie stain

A dye used to visualize proteins in gels after electrophoresis.

Colony PCR

A quick method for screening bacterial colonies to determine if they contain a DNA insert.

cDNA

Complementary DNA synthesized from a messenger RNA template.

Enzyme kinetics

The study of the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

His-tag

A sequence of histidine residues added to a protein to facilitate purification.

PCR Master Mix

A premixed solution containing DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MgCl2, and buffer for PCR amplification.

Competence

The ability of a bacterial cell to take up exogenous DNA from its surroundings.

Non-fluorescent stain

A dye used to visualize DNA that can be detected without UV light.

Ligation reaction

The process of joining DNA ends together to form recombinant DNA.

Gene expression

The process by which genetic information is translated into functional proteins.

Negative control

An experimental group that does not receive the treatment to assess its effects.

Positive control

An experimental group expected to show a known response to assess the experimental setup.

Recombinant proteins

Proteins that are artificially made by combining DNA from different organisms.

Molecular techniques

Laboratory methods used to manipulate and analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Affinity chromatography

A method used to purify biomolecules by exploiting specific interactions.

Eukaryotic systems

Biological systems that consist of organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.

Transfection

The introduction of nucleic acids into cells to study gene expression or protein function.

Bioinformatics

The application of computational tools to analyze biological data.

Glycerol

A compound used to preserve bacterial cultures by preventing ice crystal formation.

BL21(DE3) strain

A specific strain of E. coli used for high-level expression of proteins.

Gel loading dye

A mixture of colored substances used to track the progress of DNA during electrophoresis.

Nanopure water

Highly purified water used in biochemical experiments to avoid contaminants.

Expression vector

A vector designed to express a specific gene in a host organism.

Transmembrane protease serine 11D

Another name for Adrenal Secretory Protease (AsP), involved in enzyme regulation.

Gel electrophoresis

A laboratory method for separating DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge.

Transgenic organism

An organism that has had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into its genome.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression by destroying specific mRNA molecules.

Genome editing

The intentional alteration of the nucleotide sequence of a genome using molecular scissors.

Bioremediation

The use of living organisms, typically microbes, to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment.

Synthetic biology

An interdisciplinary field that integrates biology and engineering to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems.

CRISPR-Cas9

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications in DNA in various organisms.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions.

Metagenomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples