Chapter 6.3

What is the Human Genome Project?

An international collaboration aimed at determining the nucleotide sequence of all human DNA and identifying the location and sequence of every human gene.

What percentage of the human genome contains genes?

1.5%-2% of the human genome contains genes.

What are restriction enzymes?

Bacterial proteins that cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

What is gel electrophoresis used for?

To sort and analyze restriction fragments of DNA.

What does DNA sequencing determine?

The order of nucleotides in DNA.

What is bioinformatics?

The science of handling and analyzing biological data.

What is genomics?

The study of genomes, including mapping the location of genes within a genome.

What are model organisms?

Organisms like E. coli, nematodes, yeast, fruit flies, and mice used in genetic studies to understand biological processes.

What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Any organism with genetic material that has been altered through genetic engineering.

What is genetic engineering?

The intentional production of new genes and alteration of genomes by substitution or introduction of new genetic material.

How is recombinant DNA technology used?

To modify an organism’s genome, create proteins, or clone genes.

What is the purpose of ‘pharming’?

Using transgenic animals to produce large amounts of rare biological substances for medical use.

What is nuclear transplantation?

A method used to clone an entire animal by replacing the nucleus of an egg cell with the nucleus from a donor cell.

What are plasmids?

Small, circular DNA molecules in bacteria that can transfer genes between cells.

What role do start and stop codons play?

They act as 'switches' to turn genes on and off in genomic expression.

What is a recombinant plasmid?

A plasmid that has been modified to contain a desired gene from another organism.