DNA Biology Lecture Outline Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the DNA Biology lecture outline.

Housekeeping genes

Govern functions common to all cells.

Operon

Cluster of bacterial genes along with DNA control sequence.

Heterochromatin

Dark staining regions of tightly compacted, inactive chromatin.

Barr body

Second X chromosome in mammalian females.

Euchromatin

Unpacked heterochromatin; contains active genes.

Nucleosome

Portion of DNA wrapped around histones.

Transcription factors

DNA-binding proteins that help RNA polymerase bind to a promoter.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)

Contains DNA from two or more different sources.

Plasmid

A carrier for the foreign gene; a small accessory ring of DNA found in bacteria.

Restriction enzymes

Used to cut the plasmid and splice in the foreign gene.

DNA ligase

Seals the gene into the plasmid.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A technique that amplifies a segment of the DNA sequence.

Biotechnology

Use of natural biological systems to achieve a desired use by humans; can also include the use of recombinant DNA technology to create transgenic organisms.

Transgenic organisms

Organisms that have a foreign gene inserted into them.

Gene pharming

Animals that produce pharmaceuticals.