Cloning and DNA Technology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to cloning and DNA technology, including genetic modification, cloning processes, and important terms in the field.

What are genetically modified bacteria?

Bacteria that have been altered through genetic engineering for specific purposes, such as producing insulin or cleaning up oil spills.

What is nuclear transfer?

The process of transferring a nucleus from a donor cell into an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed, used to create clones like Dolly the sheep.

What is clone comparison?

A clone has identical DNA and chromosomes to the organism it was cloned from, differing from sexual reproduction where DNA is a mix from two parents.

What are genetically modified foods?

Foods that have been altered for beneficial traits, like tomatoes with antifreeze genes or corn that produces its own pesticide.

What are the positives of GM foods?

Increased crop yield, pest resistance, and reduced use of pesticides for farmers; potential health benefits for consumers.

What are the negatives of GM foods?

Concerns about environmental impact, potential health risks, and market domination by large biotech companies.

What are restriction enzymes?

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, creating 'sticky ends' which are useful for joining DNA fragments in genetic engineering.

What are sticky ends?

Overhanging single-stranded DNA ends created by restriction enzymes that allow for the easy joining of DNA fragments.

What was the Human Genome Project?

An international research effort to map all the genes of the human genome, providing insight into human genetics and diseases.

What is gel electrophoresis?

A laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size, often used in DNA fingerprinting.

What is gene therapy?

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or cure disease by introducing a healthy copy of a gene.

What is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

A method used to amplify a specific DNA segment, making millions of copies for analysis.

What is a cloning vector?

A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into a host cell for replication.

What are embryonic stem cells?

Stem cells derived from early embryos that can differentiate into any cell type.

What are adult stem cells?

Stem cells found in adult tissues that have a more limited differentiation potential compared to embryonic stem cells.

What is reproductive cloning?

A method for creating a genetically identical individual, used for species replication.

What is therapeutic cloning?

A cloning technique that produces embryonic stem cells for medical treatment, not for creating a full organism