week 12, chapter 17,18

Annealing of primers

The process of primers binding to the complementary sequences on single-stranded DNA during PCR.

BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool)

A tool used to compare a query sequence against a database to find regions of local similarity.

Bioinformatics

The use of computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data, such as sequencing data.

Bioremediation

The use of organisms, such as bacteria, to clean up environmental pollutants.

Cas9

An enzyme used in the CRISPR gene-editing system to cut DNA at specific sites.

Chromosome maps

Diagrams that represent the positions of genes on chromosomes.

Clone-contig assembly

A method of assembling DNA sequences from clones into larger sequences called contigs.

Cloning vectors

DNA molecules used to insert foreign genes into host cells for cloning purposes.

Coding DNA

DNA sequences that are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into proteins.

Contig

A continuous sequence of DNA assembled from overlapping fragments.

Comparative genomics

The study of similarities and differences in the genomes of different species.

Complementary DNA (cDNA)

DNA synthesized from mRNA using reverse transcriptase, used to study gene expression.

Conditional inactivation

A method of selectively disabling a gene under specific conditions in experimental organisms.

CRISPR

A gene-editing technology that allows for targeted modifications in DNA sequences.

Denaturation

The process of unwinding and separating double-stranded DNA into single strands, often used in PCR.

Dideoxynucleotides

Modified nucleotides used in DNA sequencing that terminate chain elongation.

DNA fingerprinting

A technique for identifying individuals based on unique patterns in their DNA.

DNA libraries

Collections of DNA fragments representing the genome of an organism, stored in vectors.

DNA microarrays (“gene chips”)

A technology used to measure the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously.

DNA synthesis

The process by which new DNA strands are created, including through PCR or in vitro methods.

Exons

Coding regions of a gene that are transcribed into mRNA and eventually translated into proteins.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

A technique that uses fluorescent probes to detect specific sequences of DNA or RNA in cells.

Functional element

A segment of DNA or RNA that has a specific biological function, such as encoding a protein.

Functional genomics

The study of gene functions and interactions, often through experimental manipulation.

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein fragments based on size using an electric field.

Genetic maps (physical maps)

Diagrams that show the relative positions of genes or markers on a chromosome.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all its genes and non-coding regions.

Human Genome Project

An international research project that mapped the entire human genome.

Immunoassays

Laboratory techniques used to detect or quantify specific proteins or antibodies.

Introns

Non-coding regions of genes that are transcribed into mRNA but removed during RNA splicing.

Knockin mice

Mice that have had a specific gene inserted into their genome.

Knockout

The process of inactivating a gene to study its function in an organism.

Mapping genomes

The process of determining the locations of genes within the genome of an organism.

Mass spectroscopy

An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, often used for protein identification.

Matured RNA transcript

The final processed form of RNA after splicing and modification, ready for translation.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

High-throughput sequencing technologies that allow for rapid, large-scale DNA sequencing.

Non-coding DNA

DNA sequences that do not code for proteins but may have regulatory or structural roles.

Physical maps

Maps that represent the actual physical locations of genes and markers on chromosomes.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule often used as a vector in genetic engineering.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A method used to amplify specific DNA sequences by repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Primary RNA transcript

The initial RNA molecule synthesized from DNA before splicing and other processing.

Proteome

The entire set of proteins expressed by a cell or organism at a given time.

Sequence-tagged site (STS) maps

Maps that use short, unique DNA sequences to locate specific regions in a genome.

Shotgun sequencing

A method of sequencing DNA by randomly fragmenting it and then assembling the pieces.

Short Tandem repeats (STRs)

Repeated DNA sequences that vary in length among individuals, often used in genetic profiling.

Transcriptome

The full set of RNA molecules expressed in a cell at a given time.

Transgene

A gene that has been transferred from one organism to another.

Recombinant DNA

DNA molecules created by combining genetic material from different sources.

Restriction endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in molecular cloning and analysis.

Restriction maps

Diagrams that show the locations of restriction enzyme recognition sites within a DNA sequence.

Reverse transcriptase

An enzyme that synthesizes cDNA from an RNA template.

Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)

A technique that uses reverse transcriptase and PCR to amplify cDNA from RNA.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A process by which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules.

Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a cell, often used in genetic engineering.

Synteny

The conservation of gene order across different species' genomes.

Vectors

DNA molecules used to carry foreign genetic material into cells for cloning or expression.