Biotechnology and Evolution in Miller and Levine Biology

Biotechnology

Manipulation of genes for practical applications.

Genetic Variation

Differences in alleles within a population.

Evolution

Genetic change in populations over time.

Speciation

Process of forming new species.

Natural Selection

Survival of organisms best adapted to environment.

Directional Selection

Favors one extreme phenotype in a population.

Stabilizing Selection

Favors intermediate phenotypes, reducing variation.

Disruptive Selection

Favors extreme phenotypes, leading to divergence.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.

Genetic Equilibrium

Constant allele frequencies in a population.

Reproductive Isolation

Prevents interbreeding between populations.

Behavioral Isolation

Different courtship rituals prevent mating.

Geographic Isolation

Physical barriers separate populations.

Temporal Isolation

Different mating times prevent interbreeding.

Adaptive Radiation

Diversification of species from a common ancestor.

Genetic Engineering

Altering an organism's genotype using recombinant DNA.

DNA Extraction

Isolating DNA from cells for analysis.

Gel Electrophoresis

Separates DNA fragments by size and charge.

PCR

Amplifies specific DNA regions for analysis.

Southern Blotting

Detects specific DNA sequences in samples.

Northern Blotting

Analyzes RNA to detect gene expression.

Molecular Cloning

Reproducing specific DNA regions using plasmids.

Recombinant DNA

Combining DNA fragments from different sources.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms with DNA from different species.

Gene Therapy

Introducing healthy genes to treat genetic disorders.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Bacterium used to transfer DNA into plants.

Bacillus thuringiensis

Produces organic insecticide toxin.

Flavr Savr Tomato

First GM crop with improved shelf life.