Biotechnology: Principles and Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts in biotechnology, principles, and processes essential for understanding genetic engineering.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Vectors

DNA molecules used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been formed artificially by combining constituents from different organisms.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Competent Cell

A bacterial cell that can take up foreign DNA.

Gel Electrophoresis

A method for separating DNA fragments based on their size.

Selectable Marker

A gene used to identify cells that have successfully taken up foreign DNA.

cDNA Libraries

Collections of cloned complementary DNA sequences that reflect the genes expressed in a tissue.

EcoRI

A restriction enzyme that recognizes a specific palindromic sequence in DNA.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another organism.

Biopiracy

The exploitation of indigenous knowledge and bio-resources.

Thermus aquaticus

A bacterium that provides heat-stable DNA polymerase for PCR.

Bacillus thuringiensis

A bacterium used as a biological pesticide, known for its insecticidal properties.

Molecular Scissors

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, like restriction enzymes.

Gene Therapy

The treatment of disease by modifying genes.

Bioreactor

An apparatus for carrying out a chemical reaction, especially for growing microorganisms.