Unit 7 Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering

Making changes in the genome (DNA sequence) of organisms.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that have genes from other species.

Restriction Enzymes

Tools used to cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA.

DNA Fingerprinting

A method of identifying individuals based on unique patterns in their DNA.

Cloning

Making organisms that are genetically identical, starting from a single cell.

Human Genome Project

Project aimed at sequencing human DNA and analyzing the information.

Gene Therapy

A process where a defective gene is replaced by a normal gene.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose DNA has been artificially modified for specific traits.

Synthetic Biology

Combines tools from biology and engineering to build new living organisms and materials.

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size.

Recombinant DNA

DNA made from combining the DNA of two different organisms.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria, used in genetic engineering.

Gel Electrophoresis

A method for separating DNA fragments using an electric current.

EcoRI

A type of restriction enzyme that cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences.

Selective Breeding

Choosing specific organisms with desirable traits to reproduce.

Inbreeding

Crossing organisms that have similar characteristics to maintain specific traits.

Hybridization

Crossing dissimilar individuals to produce offspring with the best traits.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands during PCR.

CRISPR

A genetic technology used for gene editing by altering DNA sequences.