Genetic Engineering,b b b b Cloning, and Biotechnology

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about genetic engineering, cloning, and biotechnology.

What is Cloning?

Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical organisms from a single parent. This results in offspring with virtually the exact same DNA sequence as the parent, essentially creating a genetic duplicate.

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the broad field of using living organisms or biological systems to develop or make products. This includes a range of applications from selective breeding for desired traits to advanced genetic engineering techniques.

How are Restriction Enzymes Used?

Restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. This creates 'sticky ends,' which are short, single-stranded overhangs that facilitate the insertion of genes into a plasmid or another DNA molecule.

What is Gel Electrophoresis?

Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. An electric current is applied to the gel, causing the negatively charged DNA fragments to move towards the positive electrode, with smaller fragments moving faster than larger ones.

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. A common example is inserting a human gene into a bacterial plasmid to enable the bacteria to produce a human protein.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This is often done to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones, such as pest resistance or increased yield.

What is a Clone?

A clone is an organism or cell that is genetically identical to its ancestor. Clones are typically produced through asexual reproduction or genetic engineering, resulting in an exact genetic copy.

What are Genetically Engineered Crops?

Genetically engineered crops are plants that have been modified through genetic engineering to possess desirable traits. These traits can include pest resistance, disease resistance, enhanced nutritional value, or herbicide tolerance.

What are Restriction Enzymes?

Restriction enzymes are enzymes that recognize and cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. They play a crucial role in genetic engineering and DNA manipulation by allowing scientists to precisely cut and paste DNA fragments.

What is Selective Breeding?

Selective breeding is a process by which humans use animal breeding and plant breeding to selectively develop particular phenotypic traits. This is achieved by choosing which animal or plant males and females will sexually reproduce and have offspring together.

How do Smaller DNA Fragments behave in Gel Electrophoresis?

In gel electrophoresis, smaller DNA fragments move more quickly and farther through the gel because they experience less resistance from the gel matrix. This allows for effective size-based separation of DNA fragments.

What are the Applications of Gel Electrophoresis?

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to compare DNA samples, such as those from crime scenes, to identify potential matches and aid in forensic investigations. It is also used in genetic research and diagnostics.

What is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify small samples of DNA, creating millions of copies for further analysis or experimentation. This is essential in many areas of genetic research and diagnostics.

What is a Transgenic Organism?

A transgenic organism is an organism that contains genetic material from another species. This is typically introduced through genetic engineering techniques to confer new traits or capabilities to the recipient organism.

What is the Role of a Surrogate Mother in Cloning?

In cloning, a surrogate mother carries the cloned embryo to term, providing the necessary environment for its development. The surrogate mother is not genetically related to the clone; her role is solely to carry the pregnancy.

What is Golden Rice?

Golden Rice is a genetically engineered variety of rice that produces beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. It was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency in populations where rice is a staple food.

How are Sticky Ends Created?

Sticky ends are created by using restriction enzymes to cut DNA in a way that produces overhanging, single-stranded ends. These ends can easily bind to complementary sequences, facilitating the insertion of DNA fragments into a new context.

What is the Role of a Surrogate in Cloning?

A surrogate is a female animal used to carry the embryo during cloning, providing a nurturing environment for its development. The surrogate is essential for the successful gestation and birth of the cloned organism.

What Causes Separation of DNA Fragments in Gel Electrophoresis?

In gel electrophoresis, an electric current is applied to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. Smaller fragments migrate faster through the gel, resulting in separation.

What is a Hybrid Organism?

A hybrid organism is the result of selective breeding between different species or breeds. This process combines traits from both parental lines, often resulting in offspring with enhanced characteristics.

What is the Outcome of Selective Breeding?

The outcome of selective breeding is the inheritance of desired traits over generations. This is achieved through the careful selection of parent organisms with those traits, leading to gradual improvements in the population.

What is the Function of Restriction Enzymes?

Restriction enzymes function to recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences, enabling precise DNA manipulation in genetic engineering. They are essential tools for cutting and pasting DNA fragments.

Why is the Universal Genetic Code Significant?

The universality of the genetic code allows genes from one species to be transferred and expressed in another species. This facilitates genetic engineering and biotechnology, enabling the creation of transgenic organisms.

What is the DNA Source in Cloning?

In cloning, the DNA source is typically a body cell nucleus donor. The nucleus, containing the organism's genetic material, is transferred into an enucleated egg cell to create a genetically identical copy.

What is an Advantage of Genetically Engineered Crops?

One advantage of genetically engineered crops is that they often exhibit resistance to certain pests and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and increases crop yields, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

What is a Potential Disadvantage of Selective Breeding?

A potential disadvantage of selective breeding is that it may inadvertently increase the chances of genetic disorders. This can occur due to the concentration of certain genes within a population, potentially leading to the expression of recessive traits.

What are Examples of Genetically Modified Organisms?

Genetically modified organisms can exhibit unique traits, such as glowing due to the insertion of jellyfish genes. This demonstrates the potential for novel applications and the ability to introduce new characteristics into organisms.

What is the Genetic Result of Cloning?

The genetic result of cloning is an organism that is genetically identical to the nucleus donor. The clone possesses the same DNA sequence as the donor, resulting in virtually identical traits and characteristics.

How does Genetic Engineering Reduce Chemical Pesticide Use?

Genetically engineered corn can produce its own toxin, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing environmental impact. This self-protection mechanism reduces the reliance on external chemical applications.

What Ethical Concerns Arise from Cloning?

Cloning raises ethical and legal concerns, including questions about the moral implications of creating genetically identical organisms. This prompts discussions about individuality, consent, and potential