The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genetics, and New Frontiers

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from Chapter 20 of the Biological Science textbook, focusing on advances in biotechnology and genetics.

Recombinant DNA Technology

A technology that allows researchers to mix and match specific DNA sequences from any organism to create new DNA molecules.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify DNA, producing millions of copies of a DNA sequence in hours.

Gene Therapy

An approach to treating or curing diseases involving modifications in the genome.

Complementary DNA (cDNA)

DNA synthesized from an RNA template using reverse transcriptase, used to identify gene expression in specific cell types.

Restriction Endonuclease

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific base sequences, creating sticky ends for DNA ligation.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule often used as a vector for cloning within bacteria.

Transformation

The process of introducing recombinant plasmids into bacterial cells to produce genetically modified organisms.

Genome Editing

The process of making precise changes to the DNA of an organism, often using technologies like CRISPR-Cas.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A variation in a single base pair in DNA that can be used as a genetic marker.

Bioinformatics

The use of mathematics and computer science to analyze biological data, particularly regarding genetic sequences.