Transgenic Animals and Molecular Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to transgenic animals and the associated molecular techniques used in their creation.

Transgenic

Refers to organisms that have had a gene or genes from another species inserted into their genome.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been artificially formed by combining constituents from different organisms.

Pronuclear Microinjection

A technique where DNA is injected into the pronuclei of a fertilized egg to create transgenic animals.

Chimerism

A condition in which an organism contains two or more genetically distinct cell lines, often due to DNA uptake at an early embryonic stage.

AAT (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin)

A protein that protects tissues from enzymes produced by inflammatory cells, deficiency leads to lung conditions such as emphysema.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A technique used to create a cloned embryo by transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an oocyte.

Glycoprotein

Proteins that have carbohydrates attached to them, often affecting their function and stability; necessary for the production of AAT.

Expression Construct

A DNA sequence that includes a gene of interest and regulatory elements such as a promoter to drive gene expression.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

A process of fertilization where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to create embryos.

Gene Therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease, often involving the modification of genes.