U3 Chapter 20: DNA Tools and Biotechnology Flashcards
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
The base pairing of one strand of a nucleic acid to the complementary sequence on a strand from another nucleic acid molecule, is widely used in DNA technology
DNA Sequencing
The general laboratory technique for determining the exact sequence of nucleotides, or bases, in a DNA molecule
-can be carried out by using the deoxy sequencing method in automated sequencing machines
Gene Cloning (or DNA Cloning)
Produces multiple copies of a gene (or DNA segment) that can be used to manipulate and analyze DNA and to produce useful new products or organisms with beneficial traits
Genetic Engineering
Where bacterial enzymes are used to cut DNA molecules within short, specific nucleotide sequences (restriction sites), yielding a set of double-stranded restriction fragments with single-stranded sticky ends
Recombinant DNA Molecules
Involves using enzymes and various laboratory techniques to manipulate and isolate DNA segments of interest. This method can be used to combine (or splice) DNA from different species or to create genes with new functions
Gel Electrophoresis
A laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size. In gel electrophoresis, the molecules to be separated are pushed by an electrical field through a gel that contains small pores
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Amplify (produce many copies of) a specific target segment of DNA, using primers that bracket the desired sequence and a heart-resistant DNA polymerase
Plasmids
A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell’s chromosomal DNA
- recombinant plasmids: returned to host cells, each of which divides to form a clones of cells
Expression Vectors
Vector which is designed to allow expression (transcription and translation) of the inserted section of DNA. The vector carries a promoter (normally inducible) on one side of the cloning site, and a transcription terminator on the other side
Nucleic Acid Probe
Based on the detection of unique nucleotide sequences within the DNA or RNA of a microorganism; these unique nucleotide ‘signatures’ are surrogates for the presence of the organism itself
- detect the presence of specific mRNAs
Hybridization
The process in which two complementary single-stranded DNA and/or RNA molecules bond together to form a double-stranded molecule
- detect the presence of a given mRNA in tissue
RT-PCR
Technology by which RNA molecules are converted into their complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences by reverse transcriptase, followed by the amplification of the newly synthesized cDNA by standard PCR procedures
- detect the presence of a given mRNA in a RNA sample
RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq)
Sequencing the cDNAs corresponding to mRNAs from the cells
- DNA microarrays are also used for this purpose
Gene Drive
Dramatically increase the likelihood that a particular suite of genes will be passed onto the next generation, allowing the genes to rapidly spread through a population and override natural selection
Genome-Wide Association Studies
Identify and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic markers for alleles that are associated with particular conditions
Totipotent
Capable of generating all the tissues of a complete new plant
Stem Cells
The body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated
Pluripotent
Cells that are able to self-renew by dividing and developing into the three primary groups of cells that make up a human body
Gene Therapy
A technique that uses a gene(s) to treat, prevent or cure a disease or medical disorder. Often, gene therapy works by adding new copies of a gene that is broken, or by replacing a defective or missing gene in a patient’s cells with a healthy version of that gene
Transgenic
An organism or cell whose genome has been altered by the introduction of one or more foreign DNA sequences from another species by artificial means
- transgenic organisms are generated in the laboratory for research purposes
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)
Involve a repetitive unit of 1-6 bp (1), forming series with lengths of up to 100 nucleotides (nt). STRs are widely found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including humans
Genetic Profile
Information about specific genes, including variations and gene expression, in an individual or in a certain type of tissue
- a genetic profile may be used to help diagnose a disease or learn how the disease may progress or respond to treatment with drugs or radiation
