Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms (OGM)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the principles, mechanisms, and stages of genetic engineering and transgenesis based on the lecture notes.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A bacterium capable of transferring part of its genetic material, specifically the Ti plasmid and its $ADN-T$, into the nucleus of plant cells to cause tumors called crown gall (galle du collet).

$$ADN-T$$

The specific part of the Ti plasmid transferred to the plant nucleus, containing the $OPS$ and $ONC$ genes.

$OPS$ gene

A gene responsible for synthesizing the enzyme Opine-synthetase, which catalyzes the formation of opine, a nutritive substance for the bacteria.

$ONC$ gene

A gene responsible for synthesizing an enzyme that activates the cell multiplication of the parasitized plant, leading to the development of tumors.

Transgenesis

A genetic modification caused by cloning genes from one organism into another of a different species to create Genetically Modified Organisms (OGM).

HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the hypophysis gland; deficiency results in nanism (dwarfism). It can be synthesized via genetic engineering.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels; its absence causes diabetes.

Bacillus thuringiensis

A bacterium used in genetic engineering to synthesize a natural insecticide.

Rhizobium

Bacteria that normally manufacture a natural nitrogen fixator, often a target for agricultural transgenesis.

$ADNC$ (Complementary DNA)

DNA synthesized from $ARNm$ using the enzyme transcriptase reverse (reverse transcriptase).

Restriction enzyme

An enzyme like Eco Ri used to cut original DNA into restriction fragments at specific sequences, such as $\text{GAATTC}$, to isolate a gene of interest.

Ligase

An enzyme used to join or weld a gene fragment into a vector, such as a bacterial plasmid.

Vector

A carrier used to integrate a gene into a host cell, which can be a bacterial plasmid, a retrovirus, or gold/silver beads fired by a particle gun.

Transformation

The process of integrating a modified (hybrid) vector into a bacterial host cell.

Transfection

The process of transferring targeted DNA into eukaryotic cells, such as corn (mais) or rats.

Screening (Criblage)

A selection process using an antibiotic resistance gene (e.g., Ampicillin, penicillin) to eliminate non-modified cells and isolate only transgenic cells.