ACB W2 L1

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture about model organisms and their utility in biological research.

Model Organism

A species that has been widely studied, usually because it is easy to maintain and breed in a laboratory setting and has particular experimental advantages.

HeLa cells

A human cell line used as a model for general cell biology, particularly in cancer research, vaccines, genome mapping, and drug testing.

Genetic Screen

A method used to identify genes responsible for particular phenotypes by observing wild-type populations and isolating mutated genes.

Knock Out (KO)

A genetic manipulation technique where a gene is deleted, resulting in no production of the corresponding protein.

Conditional Mutant

A mutant organism that expresses a phenotype only under certain environmental conditions, such as temperature.

CRISPR

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise modification of DNA within living organisms.

Simplicity vs Complexity

A consideration in choosing model organisms, weighing the trade-offs between simple organisms for fundamental questions and complex organisms for advanced studies.

Proximity Labelling

An approach to identify interacting proteins involving the tagging of a protein of interest (POI) with a biochemical marker.

3R's in Ethics

Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement principles guiding the ethical use of animals in research.

Molecular Work,

Research techniques involving the macromolecules within cells, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, often used with model organisms.