Biotechnology and DNA Technology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to biotechnology and DNA technology.

Biotechnology

The use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology

A set of procedures used to prepare recombinant DNA.

Vector

A DNA molecule that transports foreign DNA into a cell.

Clone

A population of genetically identical cells derived from a single cell.

Restriction enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Plasmid

A small, self-replicating circular DNA molecule commonly used as a vector.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence.

cDNA (Complementary DNA)

DNA synthesized from mRNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Gene therapy

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease by inserting a gene into a patient's cells.

Antisense DNA

DNA that is complementary to a specific mRNA and can inhibit its expression.

Gene gun

A device that shoots DNA-coated microscopic particles into cells.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A bacterium used as a vector for transferring genes into plant cells.

Southern blotting

A method used to identify specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.

Blue-white screening

A method used to select bacteria containing recombinant plasmids based on color.

DNA probe

A short segment of single-stranded DNA used to detect complementary sequences.

Gene editing

A technology that allows for the precise modification of an organism's DNA.