Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to genetic engineering and gene therapy, including definitions and concepts essential for understanding the subject.

Genetic Engineering

The process by which pieces of DNA are transferred from one organism to another.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory to express desired traits or biological products.

Gene Therapy

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases by introducing a healthy copy of a gene.

Recombinant DNA

DNA made from two different organisms, created through molecular cloning methods.

Vector

A plasmid or virus used to transfer a gene into a host cell.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein or a functional product.

Plasmid

A circular piece of DNA found in bacteria, used as a vector in genetic engineering.

Restriction Enzyme

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences, allowing for DNA manipulation.

Bioremediation

The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted environment.

Somatic Gene Therapy

Gene therapy that targets non-reproductive cells, resulting changes are not inherited.

Germ-line Gene Therapy

Gene therapy that modifies reproductive cells, allowing changes to be passed to future generations.

Biosafety

Measures and protocols to ensure the safe use of genetically modified organisms.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar, can be synthesized using genetic engineering.

Herbicide Tolerance

A genetic modification that allows plants to survive herbicide applications.

Vitamin A Fortification

The enrichment of food products, like Golden Rice, with vitamin A to improve nutrition.

Pest Resistance

Genetic modification in plants to resist pests, an example being Bt corn.

AquAdvantage Salmon

Genetically modified salmon designed to grow faster than non-GMO counterparts.

Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy

Concerns surrounding the moral implications of using gene therapy for enhancements or treating disorders.

Transgenic

An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of inherited.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

Junk DNA

Non-coding sections of DNA that do not code for proteins, often considered without function.

Gene Silencing

The process of preventing a gene from being expressed, which can be achieved through various techniques.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Techniques used to recombine DNA from different sources to produce desired traits.

DNA Sequencing

The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Synthetic Biology

An interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering that aims to construct new biological parts and systems.

Human Health Risks of GMOs

Potential health risks associated with consuming genetically modified organisms, such as allergies and antibiotic resistance.

Environmental Impact of GMOs

The potential risks GMOs pose to natural ecosystems, such as gene flow and loss of biodiversity.