Gene Technology Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary study set covering gene technology, recombinant DNA methods, vectors, and bioinformatics.

Genetic Engineering

A technique used to deliberately modify a specific characteristic of an organism by removing a gene from one organism and transferring it into another where it is then expressed.

Recombinant DNA

The altered DNA produced by combining lengths of nucleotides from different sources, typically from different species.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism that has been genetically engineered to contain recombinant DNA; also known as a transgenic organism.

Restriction Endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences of bases known as restriction sites, sometimes leaving exposed single-stranded sequences called 'sticky ends'.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to make many copies of a specific gene using the enzyme DNA polymerase.

DNA Polymerase

The enzyme used to join free nucleotides into new strands of DNA that are complementary to the original strand during processes like PCR.

Plasmids

Small, circular loops of double-stranded DNA found in bacterial cells that are frequently used as DNA vectors in genetic engineering.

DNA Vectors

Mechanisms, such as plasmids, viruses, or liposomes, used to transfer copies of genes into other cells.

DNA Ligase

The enzyme that catalyses the formation of phosphodiester bonds to join a desired gene into a vector DNA.

Fermenters

Large containers containing nutrients used to grow genetically modified micro-organisms, enabling them to multiply and produce large quantities of protein.

Gene Gun

A method of introducing new genes into plant cells by firing tiny pellets coated with the desired DNA into the cells.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme used to convert a desired length of mRNA back into a DNA strand, known as complementary DNA (cDNA).

Complementary DNA (cDNA)

DNA produced from an mRNA template through the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Thermocyclers

Machines used in PCR that utilize free nucleotides, DNA polymerase, and DNA primers to produce many identical copies of a gene.

Liposomes

Small, spherical vesicles surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer that can fuse with host cell membranes to deliver genetic material.

Transformed

The state of an organism or cell once it has successfully taken up a DNA vector.

Marker Gene

A gene, such as one for antibiotic resistance or fluorescence, used alongside a desired gene to identify which cells have successfully taken up the new DNA.

Gene Therapy

A medical technique that involves inserting non-mutated genes into the cells of individuals with genetic disorders.

Electroporation

A process where bacteria are given a small electrical shock to make their membranes porous for the uptake of plasmids.

Microarray

A laboratory tool consisting of DNA probes attached to a surface in a grid, used to identify which genes are active in a sample.

DNA Probes

Short, single-stranded lengths of DNA linked to an identifiable label (fluorescent or radioactive) that bind to complementary sequences in a sample.

Bioinformatics

An interdisciplinary science that combines biology with computer technology and statistics to collect, organise, store, and analyse biological data.

Microinjection

A technique using a fine glass micropipette to transfer genetic material into a cell, commonly used for creating transgenic animals.

Hybridisation

The process on a microarray where labelled cDNA samples bind to their complementary DNA probes.