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Recombinant DNA Technology

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript
Terms to Know
Bioremediation

Using genetically modified organisms to clean pollutants.

Cloning

The production of a genetic replica of a cell or organism.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells from an embryo that have not yet specialized and therefore can be coaxed to produce various types of organs and tissues.

Gene Therapy

The process of replacing mutated genes with normally functioning genes. Gene therapy can be done directly or with vectors (virus).

Genetic Engineering

Manipulating an organism’s DNA to create a genetically modified organism (GMOs).

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism that contains DNA produced by genetic engineering (such as DNA from more than one species).

Plasmid DNA

DNA that is separate from a chromosome but can code for a protein. Plasmids are often circular, double-stranded and common in bacteria.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Genetic technology that allows scientists to copy DNA quickly.

Recombinant DNA

A DNA molecule that contains DNA from multiple species, often used with bacteria (example: using recombinant DNA to stimulate E. coli to produce human insulin).

Reproductive Cloning

A type of cloning in which a cloned embryo is implanted into a mother's uterus and allowed to develop into a baby.

Restriction Enzyme

Enzymes that cut apart specific segments of DNA.

Therapeutic Cloning

A type of cloning in which embryonic stem cells are used to produce organs or tissues.

Transfection

A gene is inserted into a vector (virus) and injected into a person; the virus will deliver the gene into the host cells.

Transformation

A method of introducing new genes into cells (often bacterial cells).

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that contain genes from another organism.