The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genomics, and New Frontiers

This set of flashcards covers essential terms and concepts related to biotechnology and genomics as discussed in the lecture notes.

Recombinant DNA technology

A method that allows researchers to mix and match specific DNA sequences from any organism, creating DNA molecules not found in nature.

DNA Cloning

The process of producing many copies of a gene or other DNA sequence, often by inserting the cloned sequence into a plasmid.

Restriction endonucleases

Enzymes used to cut out a gene for insertion into a cloning vector, cutting DNA at specific recognition sites.

Transgenic plants

Plants that have been genetically modified to incorporate genes from another organism, often using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Gene therapy

An approach to treating or curing diseases by modifying the genome, often involving the introduction of therapeutic alleles.

CRISPR-Cas

A genome editing method discovered in prokaryotes, modified for broader use and now a fundamental tool in molecular biology.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique to quickly clone DNA, allowing millions of copies to be obtained in hours, essential for various applications like DNA fingerprinting.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS)

A study that identifies associations between genetic variants and traits or diseases through large population analysis.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

A site in DNA that varies at a single base pair among individuals in a population, useful as a genetic marker.

Transposable elements

DNA sequences that can insert themselves into new locations within a genome, contributing to mutations and genome variability.