Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms and definitions related to genetic engineering, recombinant DNA techniques, vectors, GM crops, gene therapy, genetic doping and DNA vaccines.

Biotechnology

Set of laboratory techniques that exploit biological material to produce goods or services.

Genetic Engineering

Group of methods (since 1973) that isolate, modify and transfer genes between organisms.

Recombinant DNA

Molecule formed when DNA fragments from different origins are joined together.

DNA Cloning

Production of many identical copies of a DNA fragment inside a host cell.

Restriction Endonuclease

Enzyme that cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences, enabling gene isolation.

EcoRI

Restriction enzyme from Escherichia coli that cuts GAATTC palindromic sites.

Sticky Ends

Single-stranded, complementary overhangs left after restriction enzyme cuts, facilitating ligation.

DNA Ligase

Enzyme that seals phosphodiester bonds between joined DNA fragments.

Vector

DNA molecule used to carry foreign genes into a host cell for cloning or expression.

Plasmid

Small circular bacterial DNA often carrying antibiotic-resistance genes and widely used as vectors.

Bacteriophage Vector

Virus whose genome is engineered to deliver foreign DNA into host cells for cloning.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Plant-infecting bacterium routinely used to introduce transgenes into plant genomes.

Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC)

Large plasmid that replicates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; enables cloning of very long DNA inserts.

Biofactory (Bioreactor)

Genetically modified microorganism that mass-produces a valuable protein.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Any organism whose genome has been altered by genetic manipulation.

Transgenic Organism

GMO that specifically harbors a gene transplanted from a different species.

Bt Toxin

Insecticidal protein encoded by Bacillus thuringiensis genes engineered into crops (e.g., Bt maize).

Roundup Ready Soy

Glyphosate-resistant soybean containing a bacterial gene that detoxifies the herbicide.

Golden Rice

Transgenic rice containing daffodil & Erwinia genes to synthesize provitamin A (β-carotene).

Gene Flow

Unintended spread of transgenes to wild relatives via pollen or seeds.

Gene Therapy

Medical introduction of normal genes into a patient to treat genetic disorders.

Ex vivo Technique

Gene therapy method where patient cells are modified outside the body then re-infused.

In vivo Technique

Direct delivery of therapeutic genes into the patient’s tissues or bloodstream.

Retroviral Vector

Modified virus that integrates therapeutic genes into host chromosomes.

ADA Deficiency

Immunodeficiency disease first treated successfully with ex vivo gene therapy in 1990.

Doping Genético

Illicit use of gene transfer to enhance athletic performance (e.g., muscle growth genes).

IGF-1

Growth factor gene whose overexpression via gene transfer can increase muscle mass.

Myostatin

Protein that inhibits muscle growth; gene suppression yields hypertrophy in transgenics.

DNA Vaccine

Plasmid carrying antigen genes; host cells express the antigen, providing lifelong immunity.

Biolistics

‘Gene gun’ method that shoots gold particles coated with DNA into cells.

Electroporation

Temporary membrane permeabilization by electric pulse to allow DNA entry.

Microinjection

Direct insertion of DNA into a cell nucleus via ultrafine glass needle.

Antibiotic Resistance Marker

Selectable gene co-inserted with transgenes to identify successfully transformed cells.

Factor VIII

Blood-clotting protein now produced by recombinant bacteria for hemophilia A therapy.

Somatostatin

First human protein synthesized by transformed bacteria (1977).

Recombinant Human Insulin

First genetically engineered human hormone approved for medical use, replacing animal insulin.

Human Growth Hormone (Somatotrophin)

Pituitary hormone produced recombinantly to treat growth deficiencies.

Bacillus thuringiensis

Soil bacterium whose insecticidal gene is inserted into crops to reduce pesticide use.

Herbicide Resistance

Trait engineered into crops enabling survival after herbicide application.

Palindromic Sequence

Symmetrical DNA site recognized by restriction enzymes (reads same 5’→3’ both strands).

Cloning Vector

Engineered DNA vehicle (plasmid, virus, YAC) used to propagate foreign DNA.

Viral Vector

Virus genetically altered to deliver therapeutic or experimental genes into cells.

Environmental Risk

Potential ecological impact such as transgene escape or resistant pest evolution.

Health Risk

Concerns about allergens, toxin production or antibiotic-resistant bacteria arising from GM foods.

CTNBio (Brazil)

National Biosafety Commission that regulates GMO release in Brazil.