5c - Genetic Modification

Bacteriophage

噬菌体 (shìjūntǐ) A type of virus that specifically infects bacteria. Can be used as a vector in genetic engineering to introduce DNA into bacterial cells.

Clone

（基因）克隆 ((jīyīn) kèlóng) The process of creating multiple identical copies of a specific gene or DNA segment, often by inserting it into a rapidly replicating organism (like bacteria using plasmids).

DNA Probe

DNA探针 (DNA tànzhēn) A short, single-stranded piece of DNA (or RNA) that is labeled (e.g., with a radioactive or fluorescent marker) and is complementary to a target DNA sequence. Used to detect the presence of specific genes.

Gel Electrophoresis

（凝胶）电泳 ((níngjiāo) diànyǒng) A laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments (or other molecules like proteins) based on their size and charge by moving them through a gel matrix under an electric current.

Genetic Engineering

基因工程 (jīyīn gōngchéng) The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology techniques to introduce new traits or modify existing ones. Often involves creating recombinant DNA.

Insulin

（基因工程）胰岛素 ((jīyīn gōngchéng) yídǎosù) A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Genetically engineered human insulin is produced by inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast, which then produce the hormone in large quantities.

DNA Ligase

（DNA）连接酶 ((DNA) liánjiēméi) An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds between them. Essential for repairing DNA breaks and for joining DNA inserts into vectors in genetic engineering.

Plasmids

质粒 (zhìlì) Small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules found naturally in bacteria and some other organisms, separate from the main chromosomal DNA. Widely used as vectors in genetic engineering to carry and transfer genes.

Recombinant DNA

重组DNA (chóngzǔ DNA) DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination (such as molecular cloning) to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in the genome.

Restriction enzymes (Restriction endonucleases)

限制性核酸内切酶 (xiànzhìxìng hésuān nèiqiēméi) / 限制酶 (xiànzhìméi) Enzymes, typically isolated from bacteria, that recognize and cut DNA at specific, short nucleotide sequences (restriction sites). Crucial tools for cutting DNA in genetic engineering.

Sticky Ends

黏性末端 (niánxìng mòduān) Short, single-stranded overhangs created at the ends of DNA fragments when cut by certain restriction enzymes. These can base-pair with complementary sticky ends, facilitating the joining of DNA fragments.

Transgenic (organism) / Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

转基因（生物）(zhuǎnjīyīn (shēngwù)) / 基因改造生物 (jīyīn gǎizào shēngwù) An organism that has had its genetic material (DNA) altered by the introduction of a gene or genes from a different species (or artificially modified genes) using genetic engineering techniques.

Vector

（基因工程）载体 ((jīyīn gōngchéng) zǎitǐ) A DNA molecule (e.g., plasmid, virus) used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed.