9 Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA Technology - VOCAB Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the biotechnology and recombinant DNA technology notes.

Biotechnology

The application of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop useful products in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology

Combining DNA from different organisms to create GMOs with desired traits.

GMO

An organism whose genome has been modified through genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences to enable gene insertion.

Cloning Vectors

DNA molecules used to transfer foreign DNA into host cells for replication and expression.

Plasmid

Small circular DNA molecule used as a cloning vector in bacteria.

Host Cells

Organisms (e.g., bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells) that replicate the inserted DNA and produce the expressed trait or protein.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique that separates DNA fragments by size using an electric field.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method to amplify small segments of DNA to detectable levels.

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase PCR)

PCR that starts from RNA by first creating cDNA via reverse transcription.

Southern Blotting

A technique to detect specific DNA sequences using a labeled probe after gel transfer.

Northern Blotting

A technique to detect specific RNA sequences after separating RNA on a gel.

Western Blotting

A technique to detect specific proteins using antibodies.

DNA Extraction

Purifying nucleic acids by lysing cells and removing unwanted macromolecules.

DNA Ligase

Enzyme that joins DNA fragments by sealing sugar-phosphate backbones.

Reverse Transcriptase

Enzyme that converts RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA).

Gene Isolation

Identifying and extracting a desired gene from an organism’s DNA.

Cutting DNA

Using restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites to enable insertion.

Insertion into Vector

Inserting the isolated gene into a plasmid or other vector to form recombinant DNA.

Transformation

Introduction of recombinant DNA into host cells (e.g., bacteria) to propagate the construct.

Screening and Selection

Identifying successfully modified cells using markers (e.g., antibiotic resistance, reporters).

Gene Expression

The process by which the host cell produces the protein or trait encoded by the inserted gene.

Dolly the Sheep

First mammal cloned from an an adult somatic cell via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).

Reproductive Cloning

Creating a genetically identical organism through cloning techniques.

SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer)

Nucleus from a donor somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg to create an embryo.

CRISPR

A gene-editing tool that enables precise modification of DNA in living organisms.

Cas9

An endonuclease used in CRISPR to cut DNA at a targeted site guided by gRNA.

Guide RNA (gRNA)

RNA sequence that directs Cas9 to the target DNA sequence.

Off-target Effects

Unintended edits at sites other than the intended target in CRISPR editing.

Germline Editing

Genetic edits in reproductive cells that can be inherited by future offspring.

Designer Babies

Ethical concern about selecting or modifying traits in human embryos.

Patents on GMOs

Legal patents on GMOs; debate over innovation versus access and equity.

Bt Toxin

Insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis used in GM crops to kill pests.

Golden Rice

Rice engineered to produce beta-carotene (vitamin A) to combat deficiency.

Glyphosate-Resistant Crops

Crops engineered to tolerate glyphosate herbicide, aiding weed control.

Papaya Ringspot Virus-Resistant Papaya

Papaya engineered to resist ringspot virus, protecting production.

AquAdvantage GM Salmon

Genetically engineered salmon that grows faster than wild-type fish.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A variation at a single DNA base; common genetic variation among individuals.

DNA Profiling (Forensic DNA Profiling)

Using DNA variation to identify individuals or determine relationships in forensic and other contexts.

Paternity Testing

Determining biological father using DNA profiles and genetic markers.