lecture 28 Recombinant DNA Technology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Lecture 28 on Recombinant DNA Technology.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Utilizing natural cell processes in biotechnology, with a focus on cloning and using plasmids as cloning vectors.

Gene Cloning Purpose

Understanding biological systems, developing new medical treatments, and various commercial applications.

Plasmids

Act as vectors for gene transfer in bacteria, separate from the bacterial chromosome.

Multiple Cloning Site

A feature of plasmids used for inserting a foreign gene, utilizing restriction enzyme cut sites.

Origin of Replication

A feature of plasmids where polymerase binds to replicate the plasmid.

Selectable Marker

A feature of plasmids, often an antibiotic resistance gene (e.g., ampicillin resistance), used to select transformed bacteria.

Restriction Endonuclease (Restriction Enzyme)

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific symmetric sequences.

DNA Ligase

Enzyme that links DNA fragments together, crucial in DNA replication and repair.

Sticky Ends

Overhanging ends produced by restriction enzymes when cutting DNA, facilitating the joining of DNA fragments.

Heat Shock

A process used in the lab to insert recombinant DNA into bacterial cells by chemically treating and subjecting the bacteria to higher temperatures.

AMPR Resistance Gene

A selectable marker that codes for enzyme to destroy ampicillin allowing bacteria to grow.

Complementary DNA (cDNA)

DNA made from mRNA, which does not contain introns; used when cloning eukaryotic genes in prokaryotic cells.

Glycosylation

The addition of sugar groups to a molecule, sometimes required for a protein to function correctly; may necessitate using a eukaryotic host like yeast for cloning.