A | B |
biotechnology | use of organisms ro perform practical tasks |
recombination DNA technology | technology that combines genes from different sources into a single DNA molecule |
plasmid | small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that is seperate from the bacterial information |
restriction enzyme | enzyme that cuts sugar-phosphate bonds in the DNA backbone at specific points within particular nucleotide sequences |
genomic library | complete collection of cloned DNA fragments from an organism |
nucleic acid probe | radioactively labeled nuclec acid molecule used to tag a particular DNA sequence |
genetically modified organism (GMO) | organism that has acquired genetic material by artificial means |
transgenic | genetically modified organism whose source of new gentic material is a differnt species |
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | technique that makes many copies of a certain segment of DNA without using living cells |
gel electrophoresis | technique for sorting molecules or fragments of molecules by lengths |
genetic marker | specific portion of DNA that varies among individuals |
DNA fingerprint | an individual's unique banding pattern on an electrophoresis gel, determined by restriction fragments of the peron's DNA |
operon | cluster of genes ad their control sequences |
promoter | control sequence on an operon where RNA polymerase attaches to the DNA |
operator | control sequence on an operon that acts as a switch, determining whether or not RNA polymerase can attach to the promoter |
repressor | protein that binds to the operator and blocks attachment of RNA polymerase to the promoter |
transcription factor | protein that regulates transcription by binding to promoters |
gene expression | transcription and translation of genes into proteins |
cellular differentiation | increasing specialization in structure and function of cells during development of a multicellular organism |
stem cell | cell with the potential to develop into one of several types of differentiated cells |
homeotic gene | master control gene in many organisms that directs development of body parts |