Biotech FINAL Vocab

Active site

The region of an enzyme or protein where a specific substrate binds and undergoes a chemical reaction.

Activation

The process of initiating or starting a biological process or reaction.

Allele

One of the alternative forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus or location on a chromosome.

Allosteric site

A specific site on an enzyme or protein that is separate from the active site but can modulate the enzyme's activity when a specific molecule binds to it.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in biological systems.

Ampicillin

An antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections.

Anneal

The process of complementary nucleic acid strands coming together and forming hydrogen bonds.

Antibiotic

A substance that inhibits the growth or kills bacteria or other microorganisms.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of bacteria or other microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen. Antibodies help in the recognition and elimination of foreign substances in the body.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides on a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that is complementary to a specific codon on messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis.

Antigen

A molecule or substance that is recognized by the immune system as foreign, leading to an immune response.

Arabinose

A type of sugar commonly used in molecular biology experiments and as a carbon source for bacteria in lab culture.

Atoms

The basic units of matter, composed of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons orbiting around the nucleus.

ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)

The primary energy currency in cells, used to store and transfer energy for cellular processes.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can be found in various environments and can have both beneficial and harmful effects on humans.

Bioethics

The branch of ethics that deals with moral issues and dilemmas arising in biological and medical research and practice.

Bioreactor

A device or system that supports the growth of cells or microorganisms for the production of biological compounds or for studying biological processes.

Biotechnology

The use of biological systems, organisms, or their components to develop or create useful products or processes.

Carbohydrate

A biomolecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically in the ratio of 1

Carbonyl

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.

Carboxyl

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert nutrients into energy in the form of ATP, typically through a series of enzymatic reactions involving the oxidation of glucose or other organic molecules.

Central Dogma

The principle that describes the flow of genetic information in cells

Centrifuge

A laboratory instrument that spins samples at high speeds to separate components based on their density.

Chloroplast

A membrane-bound organelle found in plant cells and some protists that is responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy.

Chromatography

A laboratory technique used to separate and analyze the components of a mixture based on their differential movement through a stationary phase.

Chromosome

A structure made up of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of cells. Chromosomes carry genes and are responsible for the inheritance of traits.

Cis

Refers to the orientation of two DNA or protein sequences on the same side or same strand.

Clinical Trials

Controlled studies conducted in humans to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments, drugs, or interventions.

Cloning

The process of producing genetically identical copies of an organism, cell, or DNA fragment.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on messenger RNA (mRNA) that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a start or stop signal during protein synthesis.

Come in and stain

A phrase used in laboratory settings, particularly in microbiology, to describe the process of applying a dye or stain to a sample to enhance visualization or identification of specific components or structures.

Concentration

The amount of solute present in a given volume or mass of solvent or solution.

Control

In an experiment, a group or condition that serves as a reference point and does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested. It is used for comparison to evaluate the effects of the treatment.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Cytoplasm

The fluid-filled region inside a cell, excluding the nucleus, where various cellular processes occur.

Data vs datum

Data refers to a collection of facts, statistics, or information, while datum is the singular form of data, referring to a single piece of information.

Denature

The process of altering the natural structure or shape of a protein, nucleic acid, or other biomolecules, typically through exposure to extreme conditions such as heat or pH changes, resulting in loss of function.

Dilution

The process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding more solvent.

Diploid

Refers to cells or organisms that have two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide units joined by a glycosidic bond.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

DNA backbone

The sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule, which provides structural stability.

DNA bases

The four nucleotide bases found in DNA

DNA fingerprinting

A technique used to analyze and compare DNA samples for identification purposes, based on the unique patterns of DNA sequences.

DNA fragment

A segment of DNA that has been cleaved or amplified from a larger DNA molecule.

Double-blind study

A clinical trial in which neither the participants nor the researchers involved know which treatment or intervention is being administered, minimizing bias and placebo effects.

E. Coli (Escherichia coli)

A species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. It can be both harmless and pathogenic.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique that separates charged molecules, such as DNA or proteins, based on their size and charge using an electric field.

Elements

Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Elements are made up of atoms with the same number of protons.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

A laboratory technique used to detect and measure the presence of specific antigens or antibodies in a sample using enzymes as markers.

End is -ase

Refers to enzymes, as many enzymes have names that end with "-ase." For example, lactase, amylase, and DNA polymerase.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranous tubes and sacs present in eukaryotic cells involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.

Epitope

The specific region or site on an antigen to which an antibody or immune receptor binds.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within a membrane, along with other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Exon

A coding sequence within a gene that contains information for protein synthesis and is retained in the final processed messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript.

Experimental Group

In an experiment, the group or condition that receives the treatment or intervention being tested, allowing researchers to compare the effects of the treatment to those of the control group.

Extracellular

Refers to the space outside of cells, typically describing substances or processes that occur outside the cell membrane.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that confer particular chemical properties or functions to those molecules. Examples include hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and carbonyl (-C\=O) groups.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for the synthesis of a functional product, such as a protein or RNA molecule.

Gamete

A specialized reproductive cell, such as sperm or egg, that carries half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Gametes combine during fertilization to form a zygote.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material (DNA or RNA) present in an organism.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce specific traits or characteristics.

Haploid

Refers to cells or organisms that have a single set of chromosomes.

Helicase

An enzyme involved in DNA replication that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs.

Hetero

A prefix meaning "different" or "other." For example, heterozygous refers to having different alleles for a particular gene.

Homo

A prefix meaning "same" or "similar." For example, homozygous refers to having identical alleles for a particular gene.

Hydrogen Bond

A relatively weak bond between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (such as oxygen or nitrogen) in a different molecule or within the same molecule.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity or attraction to water. Hydrophilic substances are typically soluble in water.

Hydrophobic

Having a lack of affinity or repulsion to water. Hydrophobic substances are insoluble or poorly soluble in water.

Hydroxyl

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH).

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction based on limited evidence or prior knowledge that can be tested through experimentation.

In vitro

Refers to experiments or processes conducted outside a living organism, typically in a laboratory setting.

In vivo

Refers to experiments or processes conducted within a living organism.

Inducible

Refers to genes or operons that can be turned on or upregulated in response to specific environmental conditions or signals.

Inheritance

The process by which traits or characteristics are passed down from parent organisms to their offspring through genetic material.

Inhibition

The process of reducing or preventing the activity of an enzyme, receptor, or biological process.

Intracellular

Refers to the space within a cell, typically describing substances or processes that occur inside the cell membrane.

Intron

A non-coding sequence of DNA or RNA that is transcribed but is removed during the processing of messenger RNA (mRNA) before it is translated into a protein.

Ion

An atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge, respectively.

Journal

A publication that contains scholarly articles, research findings, and scientific literature in a specific field of study.

Lagging Strand

In DNA replication, the strand of DNA that is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.

Leading Strand

In DNA replication, the strand of DNA that is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.

Ligand

A molecule or ion that binds to a specific receptor or protein, often triggering a biochemical response.

Lipids

A diverse group of biomolecules that are insoluble in water, including fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. Lipids serve as energy storage molecules and structural components of cell membranes.

Macromolecules

Large and complex molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, that are essential for the structure and function of living organisms.

Meiosis

A specialized cell division process that produces haploid gametes (sperm or eggs) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Micropipette

A laboratory instrument used for precise and accurate measurement and transfer of small volumes of liquids.

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles found in eukaryotic cells that are responsible for energy production through oxidative phosphorylation and play a key role in cellular respiration.

Mitosis

The process of cell division in which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells, each having an identical set of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer through chemical reactions, such as polymerization.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of a carbohydrate, also known as a simple sugar. Monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Morals

Principles or beliefs regarding what is right and wrong, often guiding ethical decision-making and behavior.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

A type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.

Nonpolar

Refers to molecules or chemical bonds that have an equal distribution of electrical charge and do not have a significant polarity.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar molecule (ribose or deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) and serves as the control center of the cell.

Operator

A specific DNA sequence that regulates the expression of genes by binding to repressor or activator proteins.