Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation

30 vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes for review and exam preparation.

Colony PCR

A method used to amplify specific DNA fragments directly from bacterial colonies.

SDS-PAGE

A technique for separating proteins based on their electrophoretic mobility.

Expression vector

A plasmid or viral vector used to introduce and express a gene in a host cell.

Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a recipient cell, often bacteria.

Miniprep

A rapid method for isolating plasmid DNA from bacterial cells.

Blue/White screening

A method for identifying bacteria that contain recombinant plasmids based on color change.

Taq polymerase

A heat-stable DNA polymerase used in PCR to synthesize DNA.

Primers

Short DNA sequences that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis during PCR.

Induction

The process of initiating gene expression in cells, often using agents like IPTG.

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate charged particles in a medium under an electric field.

Agarose gel

A gel made from agarose used in electrophoresis to separate DNA or RNA.

Ampicillin

An antibiotic used to select for bacteria that have taken up a plasmid containing an ampicillin resistance gene.

pBluescript

A commonly used plasmid vector for cloning and expression of DNA.

GST gene

A gene encoding Glutathione S-Transferase, often used as a fusion partner in protein expression.

Restriction digestion

A molecular technique used to cut DNA into fragments using specific enzymes.

LB broth

A nutrient-rich media commonly used for growing bacteria.

DH5α

A strain of E. coli commonly used for cloning.

BL21-DE3

A strain of E. coli designed for high-level expression of proteins.

GelRed

A nucleic acid stain used in gel electrophoresis for visualizing DNA.

Hydatid cysts

Fluid-filled cysts that develop in organs due to Echinococcus infection.

Echinococcus tapeworms

Parasitic worms responsible for causing alveolar echinococcosis.

Anaphylactic shock

A severe allergic reaction that can occur due to cyst rupture.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver, which can result from liver cysts.

Inoculate

To introduce cells or organisms into a culture medium.

Health Hazard

A potential source of danger that can cause injury or illness.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or equipment worn by workers for protection against health or safety risks.

PCR product

The DNA generated by the polymerase chain reaction.

DNA ladder

A molecular weight marker used in gel electrophoresis to estimate the sizes of DNA fragments.

Bacterial colony

A visible cluster of bacteria growing on a solid medium, derived from a single cell.

Amplification

The process of increasing the number of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH, used in biochemical experiments.