Unit 6.5 AP Bio Biotechnology Quiz Vocab

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms and biological systems to develop products and technologies.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been artificially combined from different organisms.

Genome

The complete set of DNA, including all genes, in an organism.

Gene Cloning

The process of making identical copies of a gene.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on size and charge.

Agarose Gel

The gel matrix used in electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments.

DNA Ladder

A standard reference with known DNA fragment sizes used in electrophoresis.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify (make copies of) DNA.

Taq Polymerase

A heat-resistant enzyme used in PCR to synthesize DNA.

Primers

Short DNA sequences that start the replication process in PCR.

Denaturation

The first step of PCR, where DNA strands are separated by heat.

Annealing

The second step of PCR, where primers bind to the DNA template.

Extension

The third step of PCR, where Taq polymerase builds new DNA strands.

Bacterial Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into bacterial cells.

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA used in genetic engineering.

Heat Shock

A method used to encourage bacteria to take up plasmid DNA.

Antibiotic Resistance Gene

A gene added to plasmids to select for transformed bacteria.

DNA Sequencing

A technique used to determine the exact order of nucleotides in DNA.

Sanger Sequencing

A DNA sequencing method using dideoxynucleotides to terminate DNA synthesis.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

A high-speed DNA sequencing method used for whole-genome analysis.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Sticky Ends

Single-stranded overhangs left after DNA is cut by restriction enzymes.

Blunt Ends

DNA fragments with no overhanging bases after being cut.

Gene Therapy

A medical technique that involves inserting genes to treat genetic disorders.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose DNA has been altered for agricultural or scientific purposes.

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene-editing tool used to precisely modify DNA sequences.

Forensic Science

The application of biotechnology in solving crimes using DNA analysis.

Bioremediation

The use of microorganisms to clean environmental pollutants (e.g., oil spills).

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

The use of biotechnology to develop drugs, vaccines, and medical treatments.