Genetic Engineering Flashcards
Alternative splicing
Increases protein diversity, because it cuts pre-mRNA in many different ways —> different mRNAs —> different proteins
Sticky ends
Single stranded overhangs
Blunt ends
Double-strand cut
Restriction enzymes
An enzyme that cuts the DNA sequence specific; recognition site: palindromic
Reverse transcription
Changes RNA (mRNA, viral RNA) into cDNA for further analysis; uses reverse transcriptase
Taq-polymerase
Synthesizes the DNA strand in PCR; heat resistant DNA polymerase
Real-time PCR (qPCR)
Measure the amount of replicated DNA as the reaction progresses (fluorescent)
Microsattelite / STR
2-10repetitions; unknown function; amount of it varies between humans
Conjugation
Transfer of genetic material via direct cell-to-cell contact (F plasmid; sex-Pilus)
Transformation
Uptake of free-floating DNA from the environment
Transduction
Transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage
Hybridization probe
Short DNA molecule that is connected to a molecular marker, which is used to detect DNA sequences
Vector
„Vesicle“ that transfers DNA into a cell (eg. plasmid)
Recombinant DNA
Synthesized and genetically modified DNA using restriction enzymes and ligation (eg plasmid)
Transfection
Transfer of DNA/RNA into an animal cell (via viral vector / liposome)
Genetic markers
Short, localized DNA sequences in a larger DNA molecule that are used to select and identify cells with a successful gene transfer (genes for antibiotic resistance)
Telomere
Short, non-coding, repetitive DNA sequences at the end of cms; prevents shortening of cms (coding parts)
Blastocyst
Stage of embryo; after 5-6 days; containing pluripotent stem cells
