Biotechnology: Application of Molecular Genetics Principles and Tools (Ch.21)

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from a lecture on biotechnology and molecular genetics.

Biotechnology

Technologies that involve the use of living organisms or their products to benefit humans.

Transgenic

An organism that has integrated recombinant DNA from a different species into its genome.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms that have received genetic material via recombinant DNA technology.

Recombinant DNA technology

A process that allows genetic material to be recombined and manipulated.

Microorganisms

Living organisms, usually microscopic, that can be used in various biotechnological applications.

Bioremediation

The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated area.

Insulin

A hormone that promotes glucose uptake and is used to treat diabetes.

Transgenic Animals

Animals that have had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into their genome.

Gene Modification

Altering the sequence of a gene using techniques such as gene editing.

Gene Addition

Inserting a cloned gene into a cell's genome.

CRISPR-Cas technology

A gene-editing technology that utilizes a bacterial defense mechanism to alter genes.

sgRNA

Single guide RNA used in CRISPR to direct Cas9 to the target DNA sequence.

Gene Knockout

A genetic modification where an organism loses function of a specific gene.

Xenotransplantation

Transplantation of tissues or organs from one species to another.

Cloning

Producing genetically identical individuals from a single cell.

Somatic Cells

Non-reproductive cells that make up the body of organisms.

Stem Cells

Cells with the capacity to divide and differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Totipotent Cells

Stem cells that can give rise to all cell types, including tissues and organs.

Pluripotent Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into almost all cell types but not into a complete organism.

Multipotent Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into several cell types.

Unipotent Cells

Stem cells that can only differentiate into one specific cell type.

Embryonic Stem Cells (ES cells)

Pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst.

Embryonic Germ Cells (EG cells)

Pluripotent stem cells found in the gonads during fetal development.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)

Adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state using specific transcription factors.

Biotechnology Applications

Utilization of various biotechnological advances in areas like medicine and agriculture.

Human Gene Therapy

The introduction of healthy genes into a patient's cells to treat genetic disorders.

Antibiotics

Medicines produced using microorganisms that inhibit bacterial growth.

Cultural Practices in Biotechnology

Traditional techniques like fermentation for the production of food and beverages.

Safety Concerns

Risks associated with the use of recombinant microorganisms.

Public Perception

Community attitudes towards biotechnological advancements and GMOs.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA)

A recombinant drug that dissolves blood clots and treats heart attacks.

Erythropoietin

A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, used to treat anemia.

Factor VIII

A blood-clotting factor produced by recombinant DNA techniques, used for hemophilia.

Renin Inhibitor

A compound used to lower blood pressure.

Biotechnology Ethics

Moral implications and societal concerns surrounding biotechnological practices.

Agricultural Biotechnology

The use of biotechnology in farming to improve crop yields and resistance.

Gene Therapy Techniques

Methods employed to treat genetic disorders through the modification of genes.

Fluorescent Proteins

Proteins like GFP used as markers in genetic engineering and cell biology.

Gene Editing Techniques

Various methods used to alter genes, including CRISPR technology.

Microarray Studies

Research techniques that analyze gene expression levels in cloned animals.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A cloning method where the nucleus from a somatic cell is transferred to an enucleated egg.

Animal Models

Animals genetically altered to study human diseases.

Immunogenicity

The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.

Tissue Engineering

The use of biological constructs and stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues.

Reproductive Cloning

Creating genetically identical organisms by cloning techniques.

Genetic Redundancy

A situation where multiple genes compensate for the loss of function of another gene.

Environmental Biotechnology

Developing processes that utilize biological systems for environmental cleanup.

Recombinant Human Proteins

Proteins produced using recombinant DNA technology that are used in medical therapies.

Gene Knockin

A technique where a gene is inserted into a specific location in the genome.

Long Living Cloned Animals

Cloned animals that demonstrate normal lifespan and health.

Ethical Dilemmas in Biotechnology

Moral challenges faced in biotechnological advancements and applications.

Gene Targeting

A technique used to manipulate specific genes within a genome.