Biotechnology Lab Lecture Notes

Vocabulary terms covering basic biotechnology concepts, immunology, ELISA assays, and types of vaccines.

Biotechnology

The controlled and deliberate manipulation of cells or components of cells or organisms for applications to make science based products.

Forensic science

The use of DNA to determine who committed a crime or identify remains.

Antigens

Carbohydrates or lipids on surfaces of viruses that activate an immune response by your body.

Antibodies

Proteins with variable regions that bind to antigens and are attached to white blood cells which will engulf bacteria or viruses.

Elisa assay

An assay that detects if an antibody is present due to a particular antigen, such as the Covid 19 virus (SARS).

Micro titer plate

Equipment used in an Elisa assay where antigens are added to catch the antibodies to a virus.

Positive Sample (Elisa)

In a simulation, this result occurs when a patient's IgG antibody binds to a SARS-CoV-2 antigen, followed by a detection antibody linked to an enzyme and color substrate.

Viruses

Non-living entities that cause harm and possess either DNA genomes or RNA genomes.

Live-attenuated vaccines

Vaccines containing a small amount of a weakened version of a virus that triggers the immune system without causing severe disease.

Inactivated vaccines

Vaccines that contain dead versions of the virus or microorganism to stimulate the immune system.

Subunit vaccines

Vaccines that provide specific portions of the virus or microorganism, such as a protein or polysaccharide found on the surface of a viral particle.

messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines

Vaccines providing mRNA with a viral codon sequence used by cells in the cytoplasm during translation to produce a specific viral protein to stimulate antibody production.