Genetic Engineering Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the genetic engineering lecture notes.

Genetic Engineering

Deliberate modification of an organism's characteristics by manipulating its genetic material (DNA).

Biotechnology

The use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products to improve human life or the environment.

Medicine (Genetic Engineering Applications)

Production of insulin, human growth hormone, clotting factor VIII.

Agriculture (Genetic Engineering Applications)

Development of pest-resistant or drought-tolerant crops.

Industry (Genetic Engineering Applications)

Genetically engineered bacteria to break down oil spills or waste.

Recombinant DNA Technology

A technique used in genetic engineering to bring together genetic material from different sources, creating DNA sequences not found in nature.

Gene Identification

Locate the gene of interest in a donor organism's DNA.

Gene Isolation

Cut out the gene using restriction enzymes (endonucleases).

Vectors

Carriers of DNA; often plasmids (circular DNA in bacteria) or viruses (bacteriophages).

Insertion (Ligation)

The gene of interest is inserted into the vector using DNA ligase, forming recombinant DNA.

Transformation

The recombinant plasmid is inserted into a host cell (e.g., E. coli).

Cloning and Expression

The host cells reproduce asexually, copying the introduced gene and producing the desired protein.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

A gene-editing technology that allows scientists to cut DNA at specific locations and insert or remove sequences with high precision.

CRISPR

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.

Guide RNA

Matches the target DNA sequence in CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Cas9 enzyme

Acts like molecular scissors to cut the DNA in CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Gene Therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease by inserting a healthy gene to replace a faulty one.

Somatic Gene Therapy

Targets non-reproductive cells; affects only the patient, not their offspring.

Germline Gene Therapy

Targets reproductive cells (sperm or eggs); changes are heritable (not permitted in humans in most countries).

Direct Delivery (Gene Therapy)

Gene is packaged in a virus and injected into the patient.

Cell-based Delivery (Gene Therapy)

Cells are removed, modified outside the body, and then returned.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated through genetic engineering to express desired traits.

Transformation (GMOs)

The uptake of foreign DNA by a plant or animal cell, leading to a change in genotype and phenotype.

Applications in Crops (GMOs)

Includes pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutrition, and drought/salinity resistance.

Pros of GMOs

Higher yields, reduced need for chemical inputs, and improved crop quality.

Cons of GMOs

Potential for allergies or unknown health risks, ethical concerns, and environmental risks.

Risks of Genetic Engineering

Escape of genetically engineered organisms, horizontal gene transfer, and disruption of natural ecosystems.

Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering

Includes access and control of technologies, consent and safety, cloning, and altering traits for non-medical reasons.