Lecture 15: Genomes & Recombinant DNA Techniques Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Genomes & Recombinant DNA Techniques.

Genomics

The study of genomes in their entirety, sequencing all of the genetic material for an organism and compiling a map with the location of genes.

Bioinformatics

Identifies the genes within the sequence data.

Comparative Genomics

Compare the gene sequences between related species to identify evolutionary relatedness and common genes/traits.

Functional Genomics

Involves evaluating and modifying gene expression to determine which genes are linked to specific traits and diseases.

High Throughput Genome Sequencing

High-throughput sequencing analysis of all DNA within cells to determine the precise A, T, G, C sequence of every gene on every chromosome.

cDNA microarrays

Small chips/slides dotted with thousands of individual gene sequences, used to compare the expression of genes in different samples.

Recombinant DNA Technology & Genetic Engineering

Technology used to isolate, manipulate, and transfer new genes into living cells, plants, and animals to investigate gene function.

Inhibitor RNAs

RNAs that block the translation of specific mRNAs into protein; examples include siRNAs and miRNAs.

CRISPR gene editing

Method to precisely mutate or inactivate specific genes in living cells using an RNA-guided enzyme system.

Recombinant DNA

DNA made in the lab using at least two different sources of DNA combined together using enzymes.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut specific DNA sequences called palindromes.

Ligase

Enzymes that join pieces of DNA together.

Plasmids

Small circular chromosomes purified from bacteria, often used in recombinant DNA technology.

Transgenic Plants

Plants created by transfecting recombinant DNA plasmids into plant stem cells, commonly called genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Transgenic Animals

Animals with added or removed genetic traits, created by injecting recombinant DNA plasmids into embryonic stem cells or fertilized eggs.

Expression Vector

Plasmids that contain a promoter to activate transcription of an inserted gene, used to make therapeutic proteins.