Genetic Technology and Engineering

Science

The use of computer databases to store and analyze biological data

Bioinformatics

The use of computer databases to store and analyze biological data. Bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the science of using computers to understand and organize biological information.

The use of living things to manufacture products

Biotechnology

The use of living things to manufacture products. Biotechnology. It is a field of science that uses living organisms or systems to develop useful products and innovations.

A genetically identical copy produced from a single cell

Clone

A genetically identical copy produced from a single cell. Clone. A clone is an exact copy of an organism created using its DNA.

The identification of individuals from the unique sequence of their DNA

DNA fingerprinting

The identification of individuals from the unique sequence of their DNA. DNA fingerprinting. It's a scientific method used to identify people based on their unique DNA patterns.

A glass slide or silicon chip with many DNA fragments

DNA microarray

A glass slide or silicon chip with many DNA fragments. DNA microarray. It is a tool used to measure the activity of thousands of genes at once.

A method of separating DNA strands, by applying an electric current to a gel

Gel electrophoresis

A method of separating DNA strands, by applying an electric current to a gel. Gel electrophoresis. It is a process that uses electricity to sort DNA fragments by size as they move through a gel.

The insertion of working copies of a gene into cells, to correct genetic disorders

Gene therapy

The insertion of working copies of a gene into cells, to correct genetic disorders. Gene therapy. It is a technique that uses healthy genes to replace or repair faulty ones to treat diseases.

The process of changing the DNA of an organism

Genetic engineering

The process of changing the DNA of an organism. Genetic engineering. It is a technique used to alter the genes of an organism to achieve desired traits.

The study and comparison of genomes

Genomics

The study and comparison of genomes. Genomics. It is the branch of science that focuses on analyzing the complete set of DNA in organisms to understand their structure, function, and evolution.

The map of all the genes in a human cell

Human genome

The map of all the genes in a human cell. Human genome. The human genome is like an instruction manual containing all the genetic information needed to build and maintain a human being.

Mating between animals or plants that are closely related

Inbreeding

Mating between animals or plants that are closely related. Inbreeding. Inbreeding is when closely related individuals reproduce, which can increase the risk of genetic problems.

A small ring of DNA that can replicate independently of the chromosomes

Plasmid

A small ring of DNA that can replicate independently of the chromosomes. Plasmid. A plasmid is a tiny, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can copy itself and often carries useful genes, like those for antibiotic resistance.

A technique that makes copies of specific regions of DNA

Polymerase chain reaction

A technique that makes copies of specific regions of DNA. Polymerase chain reaction. It is a method used to quickly make millions of exact copies of a particular DNA segment.

The study of proteins

Proteomics

The study of proteins. Proteomics. Proteomics is the science of analyzing and understanding the structure and function of proteins in living organisms.

DNA created using fragments of DNA from different sources

Recombinant DNA

DNA created using fragments of DNA from different sources. recombinant DNA. Recombinant DNA is a form of DNA that is engineered by combining genetic material from two or more different sources to create new genetic combinations.

An enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific nucleotide sequence

Restriction enzyme

An enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific nucleotide sequence. Restriction enzyme. A restriction enzyme acts like molecular scissors that identifies and slices DNA at specific spots.

The breeding of plants or animals to produce desired traits

Selective breeding

The breeding of plants or animals to produce desired traits, selective breeding. Selective breeding is when humans choose specific plants or animals to mate so their offspring have certain desirable traits.

An organism that contains DNA from other organisms

Transgenic

An organism that contains DNA from other organisms. Transgenic. Transgenic organisms have had genes from another species inserted into their DNA to give them new traits.