Ligation and Transformation in Molecular Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on ligation and transformation in molecular biology.

Ligation

The process of joining two pieces of linear DNA into a single piece using an enzyme called DNA ligase.

Transformation

The process of introducing a plasmid into living bacterial cells so that the plasmid can be replicated.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific gene or DNA fragment.

pJet1.2 Blunted Vector

A cloning vector designed for blunt-end ligation and confers resistance to ampicillin.

Ampicillin Resistance Gene (ampr)

A gene that allows bacteria to survive in the presence of the antibiotic ampicillin.

Competent Cells

Bacterial cells that are able to take up DNA during transformation.

Restriction Enzyme Digestion

A process that uses enzymes to cut DNA at specific sequences.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size.

Sticky Ends

Unpaired bases at the ends of DNA fragments that allow for base-pairing during ligation.

Blunt Ends

Ends of DNA fragments that are fully base-paired with no unpaired bases, allowing for universal compatibility.

T4 DNA Ligase

The most commonly used DNA ligase that catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds.

Inoculation

The process of placing cells from an isolated bacterial colony into selective medium for growth.

Miniprep

A method for isolating plasmid DNA from bacterial cells.