Genetics and Genetic Engineering terms

clones b organisms or cells of nearly identical genetic makeup derived from a single source

complementary b containing structures that match or bond with related structures

electrophoresis b technique used to separate migrating molecules in an electrical field

Expression b the appearance of a trait directed by a gene

Codon (Genetic code) b a series of three nucleotide bases that determine the amino acid order and the proteins formed in cell reproduction

Transgenic b b a cell or organism that harbors another organism or DNA from a foreign source.

Genetic Engineering b technology involved in removing, modifying, or adding genes to a DNA molecule

Ligase b enzyme used to join two pieces of DNA

Mutation b a heritable change in genetic makeup

Nucleotides b building blocks of nucleic acid composed of a sugar, a phosphate and a nitrogenous base

Plasmid b a small, usually circular, piece of DNA that is separate from the chromosomal DNA

Polymerase b an enzyme that joins nucleotides to make nucleic acid

Recombinant DNA b DNA that has been altered by genetic engineering

Restriction enzyme b restriction endonuclease b enzyme that cuts DNA strands at specific sites

sequence b order of nucleotides or amino acids

template b a pattern used for developing a complementary structure

trait b a characteristic resulting from gene expression

transform b to change the genetic makeup of an organism by alteration of the DNA

vector b an agent such as a plasmid used to transfer DNA into a host cell

Complex Organism b higher organism b an organism with cells, tissues, and organs arranged to function as a single unit b ex. Plants, animals, humans

cell membrane b delicate structure that surrounds the cell

Cytoplasm b cell fluid containing all cell structures

Nucleus b control center of a cell b contains most of the DNA

Chromosomes b structures that are physical carriers of genes b made up of DNA b are located in cell nucleus

Ribosome b site where new proteins are produced b result of genetic expression

Genetic engineering b technology involved in removing, modifying, or adding genes to a DNA molecule

Genetic engineering b movement of a gene from one organism to another

Other names b recombinant DNA technology b recombinant DNA science b gene transfer b gene splicing gene cloning

Naturally occurring b alterations in the genetic makeup of plants and animals allow them to respond to changes in their environment

Naturally occurring b some bacteria and viruses change the function of cells by inserting their DNA into the DNA of the cell

Scientific Gen eng. b Scientists have developed the ability to transfer genetic material from one organism to another

Scientific Gen eng. b Plasmids found in some organisms can be engineered to accept DNA from other sources

Scientific Gen eng. b Restriction enzymes are used to cut the DNA at specific sites b cut ends of plasmid rings can accept pieces of DNA from other organisms

Scientific Gen eng. b The ability to cut and splice DNA segments is providing many opportunities for changing the function of organisms