2.6 Recombinant plamids

plasmid

a small circular piece of double-stranded DNA that is able to reproduce independently and may be taken up by cells in addition to chromosomal DNA

Origin of replication (ORI)

a DNA base sequence in a plasmid in which DNA replication begins

recombinant plasmids

plasmids that carry foreign DNA

vectors

an agent or vehicle used to transfer pathogens or genes between cells and organisms

bacterial transformation

process in which bacterial cells take up segments of foreign DNA that become part of their genetic make-up

electroporation

a technique that uses brief exposure of host cells to an electric field to enable the entry of segments of foreign DNA into the cells

heat shock

a technique to transform bacteria in which cells are suspended in an ice cold solution and then moved into a warm solution to increase plasma membrane fluidity

insulin

a hormone that allows for glucose to enter cells, reducing blood glucose levels