Restriction Enzymes and RFLP Analysis

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to restriction enzymes, RFLP analysis, and methods used in molecular biology labs.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut double-stranded DNA at specific recognition sequences.

Recognition Sequence

A specific sequence of nucleotides that a restriction enzyme recognizes and cuts.

Fnu4H1

A commercially available restriction enzyme used to digest DNA at specific recognition sequences.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

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

Recombinant DNA

DNA molecules formed by combining DNA fragments from different sources, often created using restriction enzymes.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA fragments, allowing them to be combined.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

A common type of genetic variation that occurs when one nucleotide in the DNA sequence differs between individuals.

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

An analysis method that observes differences in DNA fragments created by restriction enzyme digestion.

EcoRI

A commonly used restriction enzyme that recognizes the sequence 5'-GAATTC-3'.

Methyl Groups

Chemical groups that protect bacterial DNA from being cut by restriction enzymes by marking the DNA as 'self'.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method used to amplify specific DNA segments prior to analysis.

dH2O

Sterile distilled water used in the preparation of reactions and dilutions.

Gel Loading Dye

A dye added to DNA samples to visualize their migration during electrophoresis.