Human Molecular Genetics Lecture Notes Summary

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from the Human Molecular Genetics lecture.

Conjugation

A process of genetic material transfer in bacteria that requires direct contact between donor and recipient cells.

Transformation

The uptake of DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell, allowing genetic alteration.

Plasmids

Circular double-stranded DNA molecules that exist independently of chromosomal DNA in bacteria.

Hfr Strains

Bacteria with plasmids integrated into their chromosomal DNA, resulting in high-frequency recombination.

E. coli

A common bacterial model organism widely used in genetics research, particularly for studying genetic transfer.

Catabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules to release energy or to produce smaller molecules for anabolic reactions.

Wild Type

A standard or normal phenotype that is often used as a reference in genetics studies.

Auxotrophic Strain

A mutant strain of bacteria that has lost the ability to synthesize certain compounds necessary for growth.

Gene Mapping

The process of determining the location and distance of genes on a chromosome.

Co-transformation

The process where two genes are transferred into a host bacterium together, indicating they are located close to each other on the chromosome.