Genetics and Genetic Engineering

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to genetics, genetic engineering, and molecular biology as discussed in the lecture.

Genetics

The branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA and carries genetic information.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes for a protein or functional RNA.

Phenotype

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

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, represented by the alleles it carries.

DNA Replication

The process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which proteins are synthesized from messenger RNA.

Plasmids

Small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules found in bacteria that can carry genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance.

Conjugation

A process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact.

Transformation

The process by which a bacterium takes up free DNA from its environment.

Transduction

The process of transferring genetic material from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage.

Antiparallel

The arrangement of two strands of DNA running in opposite directions.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Operon

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, allowing coordinated regulation of gene expression.

MicroRNA

Small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA and blocking translation.

Transposons

Segments of DNA that can move from one location to another within the genome, also known as 'jumping genes.'

Antigenic Variation

The mechanism by which an infectious agent alters its surface proteins to evade detection by the host's immune system.

Semi-Conservative Replication

The method of DNA replication in which two copies are produced, each containing one original and one newly synthesized strand.