biotech prelim

gene editing

changes specific sequences inside an organism's own genome without always adding foreign genes

conjugation

Transfers DNA through direct cell-to-cell contact; it is often the most efficient method for marine bacteria.

electroporation

Uses electrical pulses to open cell membranes, though high marine salinity can lower its efficiency and damage cells.

Gregor Mendel

proposed “genetic factors” (genes) transmitted from parents to offspring; Father of Genetics

genes

segments of DNA

nucleotide

building block of nucleic acid

DNA

contains the genetic information

RNA

helps convert the genetic instructions from DNA to functional proteins

proteins

carry out the various functions that influence and shape the organism's characteristics (allows the gene to act or be expressed)

The Central Dogma

flow of genetic information in living systems (from DNA-RNA-protein)

replication

aims to make duplicate copies of DNA

transcription

DNA serves as a template to make or produce RNA

translation

RNA is decoded to synthesize proteins (mRNA to proteins)

plasmids

can be passed on from one generation to the next

restriction enzyme

acts as scissors, cuts in the restriction site and only the foreign DNA

monoclonal antibodies

proteins made in lab to stimulate your immune system, used for diagnosis n disease treatment

gene regulation

the control of which genes are turned on or off

activated genes

the genes that are turned “on”

cellular differentiation

process of unspecialized cells becoming specialized cells

housekeeping genes

genes that are always “on”

luxury genes

only activated when their specific function is required

transcription factors

promote or block the transcription of a gene

epigenetic modifications

“chemical switch”

Recombinant DNA Technology

combine DNA from different sources creating artificial DNA (DNA + another DNA)

gene cloning

isolating a specific gene and multiplying it in host cells by insertion in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell

clone

group of organisms with identical genetic composition

vectors

acts a vehicle to carry foreign DNA into a host cell

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

a lab technique that makes millions of copies of specific DNA segments

buffer

ionic and stable pH that support proper functioning and efficiency of DNA polymerase enzyme

denaturing

double stranded DNA is separated through heating to high temp

annealing

allow primers to bind to a new DNA

extension

polymerase binds to primers and produces new DNA strands; TAQ polymerase extends

Kary Mullis

discovered PCR

DNA ligase

acts as paste

tetracycline resistance

this antibiotic-resistant gene serves as the marker of the vector

De Novo sequencing

decodes for genomes without prior record

expressed sequence tag

short single pass DNA

cDNA synthesis

mRNA to complementary DNA

hemoglobin genes

codes for protein that carries oxygen in the blood

growth hormones genes

enhanced growth

transferrin genes

encodes glycoprotein for regulating snd delivering iron

next generation sequencing

administration results to high cell defense