Genetic Engineering Glossary
25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Genetic Engineering.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
The use of biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives to develop products and processes for specific applications.
An RNA-guided DNA endonuclease enzyme associated with the CRISPR adaptive immunity system. It creates double-strand breaks at target sites specified by the guide RNA.
A genetically identical copy of a DNA molecule, cell, or organism. In molecular biology, cloning refers to the replication of a DNA fragment using a vector and host cell.
A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during translation.
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats — a family of DNA sequences in bacteria that form the basis of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system.
An enzyme that joins DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides.
A technique that uses brief electrical pulses to create temporary pores in cell membranes, allowing DNA or other molecules to enter the cell.
An enzyme that cleaves the phosphodiester bond within a polynucleotide chain, cutting DNA internally rather than from the ends.
The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically a protein, through transcription and translation.
A therapeutic approach that introduces, alters, or replaces genetic material within a patient's cells to treat or prevent disease.
The complete set of genetic material (DNA) in an organism, including all of its genes and non-coding sequences.
The lineage of cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs). Genetic modifications to germline cells are heritable.
Genetically Modified Organism — an organism whose genome has been altered through genetic engineering techniques not occurring naturally.
A short synthetic RNA molecule used in CRISPR-Cas9 editing that contains a sequence complementary to the target DNA, directing the Cas9 enzyme to the correct genomic location.
A type of genetic recombination in which nucleotide sequences are exchanged between two similar DNA molecules, used for precise gene targeting.
A genetic technique in which a specific gene is inactivated to study its function. Commonly performed in model organisms such as mice.
An enzyme that cleaves the phosphodiester bonds of nucleic acids. Includes endonucleases (cut internally) and exonucleases (cut from the ends).
A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that replicates independently of chromosomal DNA in bacteria. Widely used as vectors in genetic engineering.
A DNA sequence upstream of a gene that RNA polymerase binds to in order to initiate transcription. Promoter choice determines when, where, and how strongly a gene is expressed.
A DNA molecule formed by combining genetic material from two or more different sources through molecular cloning techniques.
A bacterial enzyme that recognizes a specific DNA sequence and cuts both strands of the double helix at or near that sequence.
A gene included in a genetic construct that allows researchers to identify cells that have successfully incorporated the foreign DNA, such as antibiotic resistance genes.
A gene that has been transferred from one organism to another by genetic engineering techniques.
A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to carry foreign genetic material into a host cell. Common vectors include plasmids, bacteriophages, and viral vectors.