SACE Biology Topic 1

Sanger sequencing

A procedure in which chemical termination of daughter strands help in determining the DNA sequence.

electroporation

A technique to introduce recombinant DNA into cells by applying a brief electrical pulse to a solution containing the cells. The pulse creates temporary holes in the cells' plasma membrane, through which DNA can enter.

Microinjection

the introduction of DNA into the nucleus of an embryo or other cell by injection through a very fine needle.

viral vectors

viruses used to deliver genetic material into cells (gene therapy)

gene of interest

A gene for a desired trait; the one being added to a plasmid.

CRISPR

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

Cas9

RNA-guided DNA endonuclease enzyme associated with the CRISPR, produces single strand breaks in DNA

guide RNA

A small piece of RNA attached to Cas9 that tells it where to cut by binding complementary to the DNA to be cut

primer

A short segment of DNA that acts as the starting point for a new strand

dideoxynucleotide

type of nucleotide with one less oxygen used during DNA sequencing to terminate synthesis

heat shock

increases the permeability of the cell membrane to DNA

Biotechnology

A form of technology that uses living organisms, usually genes, to modify products, to make or modify plants and animals, or to develop other microorganisms for specific purposes.

Transgenic

organism whose genome has been altered to contain one or more genes from another organism or species