Recombinant DNA Technology
A set of laboratory techniques for combining genes from different sources into single DNA molecule
Biotechnology
The use of organisms to perform practical tasks
recombinant DNA
A molecule carrying DNA from more than one source
Transgenic organism
A host that carries DNA acquired from a different species
Genetically Modified Organisms
An organism that carries recombinant DNA
Vaccine
A harmless variant or derivative of a pathogen that is used to prevent an infectious disease
Plasmids
small circular DNA molecules that are separate from the much larger bacterial chromosome
Vectors
DNA carriers that move genes from one cell to another
Restriction enzymes
enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides
Restriction sites
Places where DNA are cut
DNA ligase
The pasting enzyme that makes union permanent through connects DNA pieces into continuous strands by forming covalent bonds between adjacent nucleotides
Genomic library
The entire collection of cloned DNA fragments in which the starting material is bulk DNA from whole cells
Nucleic acid probe
radioactively labeled nucleic acid molecule used to tag a particular DNA sequence
Complementary DNA
single-stranded DNA that is complementary to messenger RNA or DNA that has been synthesized from messenger RNA by reverse transcriptase
Forensics
The scientific analysis of evidence for crime scene investigations and other legal proceedings
DNA fingerprinting
A procedure that analyzes a person's unique collection of DNA restriction fragments
Polymerase chain reaction
A technique by which any segment of DNA can be amplified (cloned)
Genetic marker
A chromosomal landmark whose in inheritance can be studied
RFLP analysis
The comparison of the set of restriction fragments produced by DNA from different individuals
gel electrophoresis
A method for sorting macromolecules primarily on the basis of their electrical charge and length
Gene cloning
The production of multiple copies of a gene
Genomics
the science of studying whole genomes
Repetitive DNA
Nucleotide sequences present in many copies in the genome
Telomeres
the ends of chromosomes
Human Gene Therapy
A recombinant DNA procedure that seeks to treat disease by altering an afflicted persons's genes