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Introduction to Polymerase Chain Reaction definitions Flashcards

Introduction to Polymerase Chain Reaction definitions
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  • Dna
    A molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
  • Gene
    A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins, influencing traits and functions in an organism.
  • Genome
    The complete set of an organism's DNA, including all of its genes and non-coding sequences, that contains the instructions for building and maintaining that organism.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
    A technique to rapidly amplify a specific DNA sequence in vitro, doubling the target DNA with each cycle, enabling extensive study without using living cells.
  • Pcr
    A technique to rapidly isolate and amplify a specific DNA sequence in a test tube, doubling the DNA amount with each cycle.
  • Amplify
    Amplify: To increase the number of copies of a specific DNA sequence through techniques like PCR, enabling detailed study and analysis.
  • Dna Cloning
    A technique using living cells to create multiple copies of a specific DNA segment for study or manipulation.
  • Test Tube
    A cylindrical glass or plastic container used in laboratories to hold, mix, or heat small quantities of liquid or solid chemicals, often used in PCR to amplify DNA sequences.
  • Intron
    Non-coding DNA segments within a gene that are removed during RNA splicing.
  • Host Cell
    A cell that provides the necessary environment and resources for a virus or foreign DNA to replicate and function.
  • Restriction Enzyme
    A protein that cuts DNA at specific sequences, creating fragments with sticky or blunt ends, used in genetic engineering and molecular cloning.
  • Template Sequence
    The DNA strand used as a pattern for synthesizing a complementary strand during PCR, doubling with each cycle.
  • Dna Sequencing
    Determining the precise order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, revealing the genetic information encoded within.
  • Cycle
    A series of steps in PCR where the DNA template is doubled, exponentially increasing the number of DNA copies with each repetition.
  • Complementary Sticky Ends
    Overhanging single-stranded DNA sequences at the ends of double-stranded DNA fragments that can form hydrogen bonds with complementary sequences on other DNA fragments.