DNA Manipulation and Biotechnology Techniques

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to DNA manipulation and biotechnology techniques as outlined in the lecture notes.

DNA Manipulation

A suite of laboratory techniques to isolate, cut, modify, copy, and analyze genetic material.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sites.

Ligase

Enzyme that joins two fragments of DNA together by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Polymerase

Enzyme that amplifies or multiplies sections of DNA to entire polynucleotides.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method used to increase the quantity of DNA before manipulation.

Gel Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to test DNA fragments, commonly used for paternity testing and identification.

Buffer Solution

A solution that helps carry electrical current during gel electrophoresis.

Sticky Ends

Overhanging complementary bases on DNA fragments that allow for more efficient base pairing.

Recombinant Plasmids

DNA constructs formed by joining DNA from a foreign source with plasmid DNA.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

Organisms whose genomes have been altered by genetic technology.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that have specific genetic material added from different species.

CRISPR-Cas9

A genome editing technology that uses a targeted sequence guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to cut specific DNA.

sgRNA (sequence guide RNA)

RNA that contains a target sequence to guide Cas9 to the desired DNA cut site.

PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif)

A short sequence required for the Cas9 enzyme to recognize where to cut the DNA.