Cumulative Chapter 10 Flashcards

Inhibition of Gene Expression

The process of stopping or reducing gene expression, often achieved by removing a gene with knockout techniques.

Knockout Techniques

Methods used to remove a gene, typically through homologous recombination.

Homologous Recombination

A genetic recombination process where segments of DNA are exchanged between similar or identical molecules.

Constitutive Expression

Gene expression that occurs at all times, regardless of external signals.

Spatial Expression

Gene expression that occurs only in specific tissues.

Temporal Expression

Gene expression that occurs at specific times during development.

rtPCR (Reverse Transcriptase PCR)

A technique used to determine if a gene is being expressed by converting RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA).

Poly-A Tail

A sequence of adenine nucleotides at the end of mRNA molecules, important for stability and translation.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

A technique that measures DNA amplification in real time using fluorescence.

SYBR Green Dye

A dye that fluoresces when bound to double-stranded DNA, enabling quantification during qPCR.

SDS-PAGE

A method used to separate proteins by size using a polyacrylamide gel, where proteins are coated with SDS.

Primary Antibodies

Antibodies that bind specifically to the target protein in a Western blot.

Secondary Antibodies

Antibodies used in conjunction with primary antibodies to enable detection, often through enzyme activity.

Gene Expression Analysis Tools

Methods used to study the processes of transcription and translation of genes.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, typically by causing the destruction of specific mRNA molecules.

Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR)

A quantitative method that measures the amount of cDNA produced from RNA during PCR, allowing for the determination of gene expression levels.

Constitutive Expression

Gene expression that occurs at all times regardless of environmental conditions or developmental stages.

Spatial Expression

Gene expression that occurs only in specific tissues within an organism.

Temporal Expression

Gene expression that occurs only during specific times in an organism's development.

Western Blot

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample after separation by SDS-PAGE. Uses primary + secondary antibodies and milk lol

Antisense Oligonucleotides

Short, synthetic strands of nucleic acids that inhibit gene expression by binding to complementary mRNA.

In vitro Mutagenesis

A laboratory technique used to introduce specific mutations into a DNA sequence.

Differentiating Gene Expression

The process by which cells become specialized through the regulation of gene expression, allowing them to perform distinct functions.

Signal Transduction Pathways

Biochemical routes through which cells respond to external signals, often leading to altered gene expression.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes, crucial for differentiating gene expression.

Epigenetic Modifications

Chemical changes to DNA and histone proteins that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, playing a role in cell differentiation.

Cellular Environment Influence

The external conditions (like nutrient availability and signal molecules) that can affect gene expression and lead to differentiation.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types through regulated gene expression changes.

Inducible Promoters

Gene promoters that can be activated in response to specific environmental stimuli, playing a role in the regulation of gene expression.

Chromatin Remodeling

The restructuring of chromatin to facilitate access to DNA for transcription, influencing gene expression and cellular differentiation.

What is Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR)?

A quantitative method that measures the amount of cDNA produced from RNA during PCR, allowing for the determination of gene expression levels.