IB Bio 3.5 Genetic Modification

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Gel Electrophoresis

Procedure used to separate and analyze DNA fragments based on their size

Agarose Gel

A jelly-like slab used to separate DNA molecules on the basis of size

Replication

Copying DNA

Taq Polymerase

A DNA synthesis enzyme that can withstand the temperatures of PCR

Kilobases

A thousand DNA nucleotide bases

Genus

A group of similar species

Restriction Endonucleases

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites

Paternity

Father

DNA Profile/Fingerprint

A pattern of bands made up of DNA fragments

Plasmid

A small ring of DNA in bacteria for the transfer of useful genes between bacteria

DNA Ligase

Enzyme joins DNA backbone together sealing any cuts

Sticky Ends

Single stranded ends of DNA left after cutting with enzymes

Gene Transfer

Movement of genetic information between organisms

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme encoded by some certain retroviruses that uses RNA as a template for DNA synthesis

Clones

Identical genetic copies, monozygotic twins, budding, plantlets, bulbs

Zygote

Fertilized egg

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction of yeast and hydra in which a new cell grows out of the body of a parent

Bulbs

Genetically identical cells with food stored ready to produce a genetically identical parent plant

Transgenic

An organism that contains genes from another organism

Vector

A method for carrying DNA from one cell to another cell

Species

A group of similar organisms that can be breed and produce fertile offspring

Maternity

Mother