Recombinant Protein Expression

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to recombinant protein expression, useful for exam preparation.

Transformation

Introduction of a DNA element, usually a plasmid, into a bacterium resulting in a change in phenotype.

Transfection

Introduction of expression vector into mammalian tissue culture cells for short-term expression experiments.

Expression Vector

DNA construct that supports delivery of a cDNA/gene into a host cell or organism.

IPTG

Isopropylthio-β-galactoside; induces expression of genes under control of the lac operon.

Escherichia coli

A common bacterial host for recombinant protein expression.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Yeast commonly used as a host for protein expression due to its eukaryotic nature.

Post-Translational Modifications

Chemically modified proteins after translation, affecting functionality and activity.

Inclusion Bodies

Aggregated protein formations that occur in bacterial cells when large amounts of recombinant protein are expressed.

Affinity Purification

A method for isolating proteins using specific binding interactions, often utilizing tags.

Stable Transfection

Introduction and integration of vector into the host tissue culture cell chromosome for long-term expression studies.

Codon Usage

The frequency of occurrence of different codons in a particular organism's genome.

Western Blot

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample using gel electrophoresis followed by transfer to a membrane.

His-tag

A hexahistidine tag used to facilitate the purification of recombinant proteins.

Transgenic Animals

Animals that have had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into their genome.

Xenopus Oocytes

Used as a system for expressing recombinant proteins and studying their functionality.

Glycosylation

A post-translational modification where sugar molecules are added to proteins, crucial for their activity.

cDNA

Complementary DNA; synthesized from an mRNA template through reverse transcription.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method used to amplify DNA.