20a

Recombinant DNA

Combining nucleotide sequences from two different sources into one DNA molecule

Genetic engineering

Direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes

Biotechnology

Manipulation of organisms or their genetic components to make useful products

Nucleic acid hybridization

Process where one DNA strand pairs with a complementary sequence on another strand

DNA sequencing

Determining the exact base sequence of a DNA segment using complementary base pairing

DNA cloning

Producing multiple identical copies of a specific DNA segment or gene

Plasmid

Small circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the bacterial chromosome

Recombinant plasmid

Plasmid containing DNA from two different sources

Gene cloning

Production of multiple identical copies of a single gene

Cloning vector

A plasmid used to carry foreign DNA into a host cell for cloning

Restriction enzyme

Bacterial enzyme that cuts DNA at specific DNA sequences called restriction sites

Restriction site

Specific DNA sequence where a restriction enzyme cuts

Sticky ends

Single-stranded overhangs created by staggered restriction enzyme cuts; can pair with complementary sequences

DNA ligase

Enzyme that seals bonds between DNA fragments during recombination

Gel electrophoresis

Technique that separates DNA fragments by size using an electric current

Short DNA fragments (gel electrophoresis)

Fragments that move faster and travel farther through the gel

Next-generation sequencing

High-throughput sequencing method that analyzes thousands of DNA fragments simultaneously

DNA polymerase (sequencing)

Enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands during sequencing

Dideoxynucleotides

Modified nucleotides that terminate DNA strand elongation to determine sequence order