Biotech

Standard curve

A graphical representation of known fragment sizes on semi-log graph paper used to estimate the size of unknown DNA fragments.

Interpolation

Estimating unknown plasmid sizes by using the standard curve and two different colors to interpolate fragment sizes within an acceptable range.

Restriction sites

The specific locations on a plasmid or linear DNA where restriction enzymes can cut the DNA molecule.

Reagent grid

A grid showing the reagents placed in microcentrifuge tubes, with each tube serving a specific purpose in the laboratory procedure.

Restriction buffers

Solutions used to optimize the activity of restriction enzymes by providing suitable conditions for DNA cleavage during incubation at 37°C for 45 minutes.

TBE buffer

A buffer solution used in the lab for three purposes:to provide conductivity, maintain pH, and protect DNA during gel electrophoresis.

Agarose percentage

The relationship between agarose concentration in the gel and the separation of DNA fragments that are close in size during electrophoresis.

Loading dye

A solution with multiple purposes, excluding staining DNA, used to track DNA migration, provide density for sample loading, and visualize DNA bands.

Electricity in gel electrophoresis

The driving force that moves DNA fragments through the gel, with the phosphate backbone of DNA allowing it to move with electricity.

Restriction enzymes

Enzymes with two main purposes in bacteria - protection against foreign DNA and DNA modification.

Naming of restriction enzymes

Named after the Genus, species, and strain of the bacteria they are derived from, with three specific enzymes used in the lab.

Smaller DNA fragments

Move faster than larger fragments in gel electrophoresis due to their size and charge affecting their mobility.

Interpolation vs Extrapolation

Interpolation of unknown fragment sizes is preferred for accuracy over extrapolation, which extends beyond the known data range.

Extrapolation= Bad Science

Lambda DNA

A type of DNA used as a standard in molecular biology, with a known size and commonly used in experiments.

Prokaryotic restriction enzymes

Prevent self-digestion by modifying their own DNA or through the presence of specific proteins that protect the DNA.

Recombinant DNA

Created using sticky ends generated by restriction enzymes, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA into plasmids.

Ethidium bromide

Used in the lab for staining DNA in gels to visualize DNA bands under UV light, both in micro and macro applications.

RFLP

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, used in genetic analysis to identify variations in DNA fragment sizes among individuals.

Gel results and plasmid map

Analyzing gel results to create a plasmid map and vice versa, understanding the relationship between DNA fragments and plasmid structure.

Allelic genotype probability

Using allele frequencies to calculate the probability of a specific allelic genotype in a population using the rule of multiplication.