Genetics Exam 1 - DNA Analysis

restriction enzymes

DNA-cutting enzymes that bind to DNA at a recognition sequence and cut both strands

sticky end

the end of a DNA molecule cut in a staggered way by a restriction enzyme, resulting in single-stranded overhangs

blunt end

The end of a DNA molecule where both strands were cut at the same nucleotide pair

denaturation, annealing, extension

Name the three steps of PCR (in order)

denaturation

Stage of PCR where DNA is split into single strands

annealing

Stage of PCR where primers are added to the 3’ end of the target sequence

extension

Stage of PCR where new nucleotides are added to complete the complementary strand to the target sequence

taq polymerase

enzyme often used to add nucleotides to the complementary strand during PCR due to its stability at high temperatures

dNTP

Abbreviation for the basic structural unit of DNA, consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

ddNTP

A nucleotide analog used in sanger sequencing, which halts the building of complementary strands due to the replacement of the 3’ hydroxyl group with a 3’ hydrogen