Human Experimentation with DNA: Key Concepts and Techniques

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to human experimentation with DNA and molecular biology.

Recombinant DNA

A process of creating new DNA molecules by combining DNA from different sources.

Artificial Selection

A method of breeding where humans select specific traits in animals, such as different dog breeds.

Restriction Enzymes

DNA endonucleases that recognize specific DNA sequences and cut the DNA at those sites.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size using an electric field.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments by sealing phosphodiester bonds.

Cloning Vectors

Small circular DNA molecules, like plasmids, used to carry DNA fragments of interest.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, producing many copies from a single molecule.

Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs)

Short sub-sequences of cDNA that facilitate gene identification.

Genomic Library

A collection of cloned DNA fragments that represent an organism's entire genome.

cDNA Library

A library of complementary DNA synthesized from mRNA that only includes expressed genes.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Areas in the genome where short sequences are repeated a variable number of times, useful in forensic applications.

Sanger Sequencing

A method of DNA sequencing based on selective incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Modern sequencing technologies that provide faster and cheaper sequencing capabilities compared to traditional methods.

RNA Interference (RNAi)

A biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation.

Fluorescent Probes

Labeled nucleotides used in in situ hybridization to identify and visualize specific genes.

Transformation

The process of introducing recombinant DNA into bacterial cells.

Gene Knockout

A genetic technique where a gene is completely disabled, resulting in no expression.

Homologous Recombination

A process in which a cell uses a template DNA for DNA repair after a double-strand break.

Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ)

A DNA repair mechanism that directly ligates broken DNA ends together, often resulting in deletions.

Gene Addition

The process of inserting a new gene into an organism's genome to study its function.

CRISPR/Cas9

A genome editing technology that uses a guide RNA and Cas9 enzyme to cut DNA at specific sites.

DNA Sequencing

The process of determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

Reverse Transcription

The process of converting RNA back into DNA using reverse transcriptase.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Variations in a single nucleotide that occur in a specific position in the genome.

Electrophoresis

A technique for separating charged molecules, primarily nucleic acids, by their size and charge.

Amplification

The process of producing multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Reporter Genes

Genes that are attached to a regulatory sequence of another gene of interest and are used to measure the activity of that regulatory sequence.

In Situ Hybridization

A technique used to localize specific nucleic acid sequences within fixed tissues and cells.

Dideoxynucleotide Triphosphates (ddNTPs)

Modified nucleotides used in Sanger sequencing that terminate DNA strand elongation.

Agarose Gel

A gel used in gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments.

DNA Template

The original strand of DNA used to guide the synthesis of a new strand of DNA.

Genetic Modification

The alteration of the genetic makeup of an organism using biotechnology.

Transgenic Organisms

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

Origin of Replication

A sequence in a plasmid that allows for its replication within a host organism.

Polymorphism

The occurrence of two or more genetically different sequences among individuals in a population.

Thermostable DNA Polymerase

DNA polymerases that withstand high temperatures used in PCR.

Sequencing Technology

Methods and processes used to determine the nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule.

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs)

Cloning vectors that can carry large DNA fragments, facilitating genome mapping and sequencing.

DNA Hybridization

The process of binding complementary nucleic acid strands to form double-stranded molecules.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Genes that provide bacteria with resistance to the effects of antibiotics, often used as selection markers in cloning.

Cloning

The process of creating identical copies of DNA molecules or organisms.

Transcription Factors

Proteins involved in the process of converting DNA into RNA.

Expression Vectors

Plasmids designed to express a gene of interest in a host organism at high levels.

Gel Electrophoresis Visualization

The use of fluorescent dyes to visualize DNA fragments during electrophoresis.

Plasmid

A circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Chain Termination

A mechanism in DNA sequencing where the addition of a dideoxynucleotide stops DNA synthesis.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by its genotype.

Southern Blotting

A method used to detect specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.

Molecular Cloning

The process of making multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence.

SDS-PAGE

A technique for separating proteins based on their molecular weight.

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP)

A DNA fingerprinting method that detects polymorphisms in DNA.

Fluorescence Microcopy

A microscopy technique that uses fluorescence to visualize and study biological samples.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation

A method for studying interactions between proteins and DNA in the cell.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

A technique used to amplify and quantify a targeted DNA molecule.

RNA-Seq

A technique that uses next-generation sequencing to analyze the quantity and sequences of RNAs.

Gene Regulation

The process of turning genes on and off in response to internal or external signals.

Histological Analysis

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Functional Genomics

The study of the relationship between genes and their function.

Data Mining in Genomics

The process of extracting useful information from large biological datasets.

Bioinformatics

The use of software and algorithms to analyze biological data.

Antibiotic Selection

Using antibiotic resistance markers to select cells that have successfully taken up a plasmid.

Detection of Pathogens

Using molecular techniques to identify infectious agents in a sample.

Polynucleotide Kinase

An enzyme used to add a phosphate group to the 5' end of a nucleic acid.

GFP

Green Fluorescent Protein, used as a marker for gene expression.

Gene Interaction Studies

Research examining how different genes influence each other's expression and function.

Disease Modeling

Creating organisms that mimic human disease for research and drug testing.

Bacterial Conjugation

A process by which bacteria exchange genetic material through direct contact.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression.

Plasmid DNA Extraction

The process of isolating plasmid DNA from bacterial cells.

Sequencing by Synthesis

A method of sequencing where the identification of nucleotides occurs during DNA synthesis.

Bioengineered Organisms

Organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated.

RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from an RNA template.

Transgenic Technology

Methods used to introduce foreign genes into an organism's genome.

Decidual Tissue

The specialized tissue formed in the uterine lining during pregnancy.

Molecular Markers

Specific DNA sequences that are associated with certain traits in organisms.

Environmental Genomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.