genetic engineering/genetic modification/ gene editing
the insertion of genes from one organism into the genetic material of another organism or changing the genetic material of an organism
recombinant DNA
new DNA produced by genetic engineering technology that combines genes from the DNA of one organism with the DNA of another organism
reverse transcriptase
an enzyme used to make artificial copies of a desired gene by taking an mRNA molecule transcribed from the gene and using it to produce the correct DNA sequence
complementary DNA (cDNA)
DNA which can act as an artificial gene, made by reversing the transcription process from mRNA using reverse transcriptase
sticky end
the name given to the area of base pairs left longer on one strand of DNA than the other by certain restriction endonucleases, making it easier to attach new pieces of DNA
replica plating
a process used to identify recombinant cells that involves growing identical patterns of bacterial colonies on plates with different media
gene guns
a technique to produce recombinant DNA by shooting the desired DNA into the cell at high speed on very small gold or tungsten pellets (balls)
liposome wrapping
a technique for producing recombinant DNA that involves wrapping the gene to be inserted in liposomes, which combine with the target cell membrane and can pass through it to deliver the DNA into the cytoplasm
microinjection (DNA injection)
a technique for producing recombinant DNA that involves injecting DNA into a cell though a very fine micropipette
knockout organism
an organism with one or more genes silenced (knocked out) so they no longer work; they are often used to identify the function of a gene, to investigate disease and to test potential treatments