Animal Biotechnology: Tools, Applications, and Implications

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms, cells, or biological molecules to make products or solve problems.

DNA

The molecule that stores hereditary information.

Gene

A region of DNA that contains instructions for making a functional product, usually a protein.

Genome

The complete set of DNA in an organism.

Traits

Observable characteristics influenced by genetics and environment.

Genetics

Differences in DNA sequence among animals that influence traits.

Gene–environment interaction

When the same genotype performs differently under different environmental conditions.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process where mRNA is read to build a protein.

Proteins

The working parts of cells that perform various functions.

Mutations

Changes in DNA sequence that create genetic variation.

Alleles

Different versions of the same gene.

Genetic markers

DNA variants that can be measured to track inheritance.

Polygenic traits

Traits that are influenced by many genes.

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction, a method to amplify specific DNA segments.

Primers

Short DNA sequences used in PCR to define the start and end of the target region.

Denaturation

The first step of PCR where DNA strands separate.

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on length.

Restriction enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sequences.

DNA ligase

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together.

Recombinant DNA

DNA formed by combining DNA from different sources.

DNA sequencing

The process of determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA fragment.

QTL

Quantitative trait locus, a genomic region associated with variation in a quantitative trait.

Genomic selection

The use of thousands to millions of markers to predict an animal's genetic merit.

Artificial insemination (AI)

The process of placing semen into the female reproductive tract without natural mating.

Cryopreservation

The process of storing cells at very low temperatures.

Cloning

The process of making a genetic copy using techniques like SCNT.

Transgenic animals

Animals that contain DNA from another organism.

Cisgenic animals

Animals that contain DNA from the same species or a sexually compatible species.

Gene editing

Targeted changes to DNA at a specific site.

CRISPR-Cas

A gene editing technology that allows for precise changes in DNA.

Vaccines

Biological preparations that provide immunity to diseases.

Diagnostics

Tests used to detect the presence of pathogens or immune response.

Biosecurity

Practices to prevent the introduction and spread of disease in animal populations.

Fermentation

The controlled use of microbes to produce products in animal production.

Enzymes

Proteins that accelerate chemical reactions, used to improve digestion in feed.

Ethics in biotechnology

Considerations regarding welfare, public acceptance, and risk management.

Biosafety

Measures to prevent exposure to biological hazards.

Data ethics

Issues related to the ownership, privacy, and use of genomic data.

Sensitivity

The proportion of true positives correctly identified by a test.

Specificity

The proportion of true negatives correctly identified by a test.

Positive control

A control sample that should produce a positive result.

Negative control

A control sample that should not produce a reaction.

Internal control

A measure to ensure that the test is working properly, often verifying sample quality.

Mosaicism

A condition where different cells within the same organism have different genetic makeup.

Phenotyping

The process of displaying observable traits influenced by genetics.