Genetic Engineering and PCR Flashcards

Flashcards about Genetic Engineering and PCR techniques.

Somatropin

A hormone created in large quantities using molecular biology tools, identical to human growth hormone and used to treat growth deficiency.

Human Growth Hormone

Before genetic engineering, this hormone was extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers.

Genetic Engineering Application for Hormone Production

The process by which bacteria are induced to produce human growth hormone, providing an abundant and safe supply.

Taq Polymerase

An enzyme isolated from Thermus aquaticus, able to withstand high temperatures during PCR.

Thermus aquaticus

The bacterium from which Taq polymerase is isolated, thriving in hot springs.

Exponential DNA Increase in PCR

The effect that occurs each time a PCR cycle repeats, exponentially increasing the amount of double-stranded DNA.

30 Cycles in PCR

The amount of cycles typically repeated in PCR, resulting in over 1 billion copies of the targeted DNA sequence.

Variable-Length Strands in PCR

Strands produced after the first PCR cycle that start at the target region and extend beyond it.

Constant-Length Strands in PCR

Strands produced after the second PCR cycle that have one end terminating at the target area.

Forensic Criminal Investigations, Medical Diagnosis, and Genetic Research

Applications of PCR in which only a small amount of DNA is needed.

DNA Copying Ability of PCR

The reason PCR is useful in forensic science because only a small starting amount of DNA is needed.

Confirming the presence of the AIDS-causing virus

An example of a medical diagnosis use of PCR.

Examining DNA from fossil remains

An application of PCR in genetics, helping to determine the relationship between species.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique developed in the late 1980s to make numerous copies of a desired gene fragment.

Direct DNA Copying Method of PCR

PCR offers a direct method of making copies of a desired DNA sequence without needing to place it within a bacterial plasmid.

DNA Gyrase and DNA Helicase

Enzymes used to separate DNA strands in DNA replication within the nucleus.

Heating to 94°C-96°C

The method used in PCR to separate DNA strands by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.

DNA polymerase III and an RNA primer

Used in DNA replication to build complementary strands

DNA Primers

Used in PCR instead of RNA primers, complementary to the target area to be copied.

Forward and Reverse Primers

Primers that mediate the synthesis of DNA in opposite directions toward each other.

50°C-65°C

The temperature range required for primers to anneal with the template DNA in PCR.

Taq Polymerase

The enzyme used in PCR to build complementary strands, similar to DNA polymerase.

72°C

The temperature at which Taq polymerase is used to build complementary strands in PCR.

Isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG)

The chemical that induces the lac promoter, similar to lactose

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes used by genetic engineers to excise the human growth hormone gene.

Lac Promoter in a Plasmid

The location where the human growth hormone gene was inserted after being excised.

E. Coli Cells

Bacteria injected with the plasmid that can be induced to produce somatropin.

IPTG-rich Nutrient Media

The nutrient media in which E. coli cells are grown to induce somatropin production.

Athletic Enhancement

A use of somatropin that is banned in sporting events due to its muscle-building properties.

Bovine Somatotropin

A form of somatropin used in some American states to enhance milk production, but banned in Canada.