Definition Of Terms - Recombinant DNA PDF

DEFINITION OF TERMS RECOMBINANT DNA  DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID) The molecule found in every living cell that contains instructions for growth, development, and reproduction.  GENE A section of DNA that contains the information needed to make a specific protein...

DEFINITION OF TERMS RECOMBINANT DNA  DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID) The molecule found in every living cell that contains instructions for growth, development, and reproduction.  GENE A section of DNA that contains the information needed to make a specific protein or perform a certain function in the body.  PROTEIN Large molecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the body, such as building tissues and regulating processes. EXAMPLE OF PROTEINS Structural Proteins Hormonal Proteins 1. Collagen 1. Insulin 2. Keratin 2. Glucagon Transport Proteins Defense Proteins 1. Antibodies 1. Hemoglobin 2. Fibrinogen 2. Albumin  TRAIT A specific characteristic or feature of an organism, such as eye color or disease resistance.  WHERE DO OUR GENES LIVE? Genes are segments of DNA located on structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures made up of DNA and proteins. They carry many genes and are found inside the nucleus of our cells.  FUN FACT HUMANS TYPICALLY HAVE 46 CHROMOSOMES, WHICH COME IN PAIRS, WITH 23 INHERITED FROM EACH PARENT. WHY DO WE NEED GENES? We need genes because they contain the instructions for building and maintaining our bodies. They also play a crucial role in passing traits from parents to children through reproduction. INSULIN GENETIC ENGINEERING The process of changing the DNA of an organism to create new traits or improve existing ones. GENE OF INTEREST The specific gene selected for its desirable traits, such as producing insulin or improving crop resistance, that scientists want to isolate and use in genetic engineering.  GENE A section of DNA that contains the information needed to make a specific protein or perform a certain function in the body. GENE OF INTEREST The specific gene selected for its desirable traits, such as producing insulin or improving crop resistance, that scientists want to isolate and use in genetic engineering. GENE SPLICING The process of cutting and combining pieces of DNA from different sources to create recombinant DNA.  Gene splicing is a specific tool or technique used in genetic engineering, whereas genetic engineering is the overall field that applies various methods, including gene splicing, to modify organisms for scientific, agricultural, or medical purposes. RECOMBINANT DNA Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is DNA that has been formed artificially by combining constituents from different organisms. All genetic code is made up of combinations of four chemical units called nucleotides: ADENINE (A) THYMINE (T) CYTOSINE (C) GUANINE (G)  HOST CELL A cell that receives and replicates the recombinant DNA introduced into it, such as a bacterium used in genetic experiments.  BACTERIUM A single-celled microorganism often used in genetic engineering because it can easily take up recombinant DNA and multiply.  PLASMID A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that is often used as a tool to transfer genes during genetic engineering.  VECTOR A carrier, like a plasmid, used to deliver genetic material into a target organism.  CLONE A group of identical cells or organisms created from a single parent cell or organism, often used to reproduce recombinant DNA. RESTRICTION ENZYMES Special enzymes also known as MOLECULAR SCISSORS in genetic engineering to cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to isolate the gene of interest or open plasmids for inserting genes. LIGASE (DNA GLUE) An enzyme used to join pieces of DNA together, such as attaching the gene of interest to a plasmid.  GENOME The complete set of DNA, including all of its genes, in an organism.