Terms Flashcards
Animal Model
Using a non-human animal (for example, a mouse) in research. Often used to make sure that the scientific intervention is safe before using it on humans.
Bioethics
The study of whether our scientific or medical research/application is ethical or moral. Ethics is especially a concern when we do research on human beings. As scientists, our goal is to conduct research and create interventions that are not harmful for humans.
Biotechnology
Technology that uses cells to create something. For example, agricultural biotechnology can be used to create crops that are genetically modified organisms (GMOS) and can better resist pests or weedkillers.
Cas9
An enzyme that can “cut” DNA so that pieces of DNA can be added or taken out.
Cell line
Animal cells taken/extracted from animals that are used in experiments. These cells can then grow or multiply in the laboratory (outside of the animal’s body) if there are the right conditions.
Conservation Reliant
Some animals need human intervention (for example, removing predators or parasites) in order to survive.
CRISPR
A method of gene editing where you can alter a DNA sequence or turn genes on/off without editing the sequence.
Extinction
When a group of organisms or a species no longer exists or have died off. Some examples of species that have gone extinct include: dodos, wooly mammoths, and passenger pigeons.
Gene Constructs
Also known as DNA constructs. DNA that has been edited by humans that can be put into tissues or cells.
Gene Editing
Making changes to the human genome (the DNA in a person’s body that determines what they look like, what medical issues they have, etc.).
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
An organism (such as an animal or plant) whose genes have been edited using gene editing technology. A good example of this is corn. Some varieties of corn have been genetically modified so they can resist insects and herbicides (weedkiller).
Germline Cells
Reproductive or sex cells (eggs and sperm). These pass DNA from parents to their children.
Native vs. Invasive Wildlife
Native wildlife are animals and plants that are from the region and are a natural part of the ecosystem. Invasive wildlife are not from the region and may disrupt the ecosystem. For example, an invasive species may eat the food that the native species eats and create competition. This competition could cause the numbers of native species to decrease.
Off-target effects/sites
Cas9 accidentally cuts an area of DNA that shares a similar sequence as the area that we wanted to cut. Unintended mutations can occur.
Paleogenomics
Studying how to recreate the genomes of extinct species. For example, scientists who study paleogenomics may be interested in recreating the DNA of extinct animals like the wooly mammoth.
Public Attitudes
How people think and feel about gene editing. How people view gene editing is different depending on where they live, their identities, politics, and other factors.
Sickle Cell Disease
It is caused by the sickle cell gene. Red blood cells are in a sickle shape and die at a faster rate. This is sickle cell anemia where there are not enough red blood cells in the body. Sickle cell disease can cause pain, infection, shortness of breath, stroke, and a variety of other symptoms.
Somatic Cells
All of the cells that make up a person or other living creature except for reproductive or sex cells.
Stem Cells
Cells that can turn into a number of different types of cells. They are important for medical research because they have been used to fix damaged cells in organs and tissues.
