U2T4 - Keywords Flashcards
Gene Technology Up to GM Microorganisms (5.4.7)
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction. Used to create multiple copies of same DNA section, allowing for meaningful analysis. e.g. forensic science. Carried out in thermocycler PCR machine. Machine loaded with DNA sample, DNA primers, thermostable DNA polymerase enzyme + dNTPs. Set for 20+ cycles for genetic profiling + medical research.
dNTPs
Free DNA nucleotides.
Thermostable DNA Polymerase
Most commonly used = Taq polymerase. Obtained from Thermo Aquaticus bacteria in hot springs so enzyme optimum temp is higher.
Primer
Short sequence (20 bases) of DNA complementary to sections at ends of target sequence to be amplified. All Allows DNA polymerase to add more comp bases to DNA sequence + stops strands rejoining.
Anneal
Bind
Restriction Endonuclease Enzymes
Enzymes that cut DNA into fragments by hydrolysis, extracted from diff bacteria + produced as defence mechanism against viruses to stop them reproducing.
Recognition Sequence
Complementary sequence of DNA bases in restriction enzyme.
Sticky Ends
Short sequence of unpaired bases which are free to anneal to other DNA fragments produced through action of same restriction enzyme.
Palindrome
Same backwards as forwards. e.g. Anna, racecar
Coding DNA
Sections of DNA expressed as proteins.
MRSs
Microsatellite Repeat Sequences. Occur in introns. Short sequences of 2/3 bases which repeat many times. Num repeats varies between individuals, unique. Forms basis of DNA profiling/genetic fingerprinting.
SNPs
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Changes in DNA sequences which don’t make individuals of same species different. Change in 1 nucleotide results in alleles which can result in disease.
Allele
Different form of a gene. Only some genes have these, most have only one form.
Gel Electrophoresis
Sample of DNA treated with restriction enzymes, creating DNA fragments with diff lengths, this method separates them. Nowadays, membrane stage bypassed as gel subjected to UV light, probes added earlier + target sequences visible in situ. Shorter travel further (closer to negative)
Southern Blotting Technique + Incubation
Blot DNA onto membrane (Nylon). Moisture from gel absorbed and DNA fragments transferred onto membrane, replica of OG DNA. Incubation happens + DNA probes tagged with dye/radioactive substance added + anneal to DNA.
DNA Probes
Single stranded DNA of known, complementary base sequence to DNA being investigated. Used as markers. Carries part of base sequences of gene being investigated. Labelled with radioactive/fluorescent markers.
kBP
Thousands of base pairs. Used as units for length of DNA molecules.
Hybridise
Attach
Reverse Transcriptase
Catalyses reversal of normal transcription, makes cDNA.
cDNA
Complementary/Copy DNA
Vector
Gene carrier. Molecule of DNA used to carry foreign (human) gene into host cell (bacteria) to make human protein. Commonly used are bacterial plasmids + phage viruses.
Plasmids
Circular pieces of double stranded DNA found naturally in bacteria. In addition to main bacterial DNA. May contain genes useful to bacterium. (Genes which provide resistance to antibiotics)
Ligation
Sticky ends of cut genes + plasmids join together.
Incubated
Mixed
Screened
Identified + separated.
Replica Plating
Process which allows exact location of diff colonies of bacteria to be known + retained. Blot membrane on colonies grown on initial ampicillin plates.