Chapter 9- Biotechnology & Recombinant DNA

genetic engineering

deliberately altering an organisms genetic info using an in vitro technique

restriction enzyme

type of enzyme that recognizes a specific palindromic nucleotide sequence and then cuts the DNA within/near this site

Can produce either blunt (straight) ends, or staggered (“sticky”) ends

restriction fragments

DNA fragment that results from cutting of a DNA strand by restriction enzymes

Cohesive “sticky” ends

Overhanging ends of DNA fragment produced by a restriction enzyme that easily base pair with complementary sequences

gel electrophoresis

separates DNA fragments according to size

ethidium bromide

agent that stains DNA in gel electrophoresis to make it visible on the gel with UV light

selectable marker

gene encoding resistance to an antibiotic, such as ampicillin

cloning DNA

procedure in which a fragment of DNA is inserted into a vector and then transferred to another cell, where it replicates

vector

DNA molecule, usually a plasmid, that functions as a carrier of cloned DNA

recombinant DNA

DNA molecule created by combining DNA from two or more sources

chromosomal DNA

DNA found within chromosomes

basis for determining band size on gel electrophoresis

size standard

Each fluorescent band on a gel represents millions of molecules of a specific sized fragment

True

what are the properties of a vector?

an origin of replication, a selectable marker (nearly always antibiotic resistance gene), and multiple cloning site

multiple cloning site

contains the recognition sequence of several different restriction enzymes