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proteasome : organelle that degrades proteins
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
repressor : protein that binds to the operator of prokaryotic genes to prevent transcription
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
RISC : protein complex that binds along with the miRNA to the RNA to degrade it
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
RNA stability : how long an RNA molecule will remain intact in the cytoplasm
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
RNA-binding protein (RBP) : protein that binds to the 3' or 5' UTR to increase or decrease the RNA stability
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
small 40S ribosomal subunit : ribosomal subunit that binds to the RNA to translate it into protein
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
trans-acting element : transcription factor binding site found outside the promoter or on another chromosome that influences the transcription of a particular gene
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
transcription factor : protein that binds to the DNA at the promoter or enhancer region and that influences transcription of a gene
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
transcription factor binding site : sequence of DNA to which a transcription factor binds
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
transcriptional start site : site at which transcription begins
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
trp operon : series of genes necessary to synthesize tryptophan in prokaryotic cells
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
tryptophan : amino acid that can be synthesized by prokaryotic cells when necessary
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
untranslated region : segment of the RNA molecule that are not translated into protein. These regions lie before (upstream or 5') and after (downstream or 3') the protein-coding region
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/16-key-terms
Nucleic acids can be isolated from cells for the purposes of further analysis by breaking open the cells and enzymatically destroying all other major macromolecules. Fragmented or whole chromosomes can be separated on the basis of size by gel electrophoresis. Short stretches of DNA or RNA can be amplified by PCR. Southern and northern blotting can be used to detect the presence of specific short sequences in a DNA or RNA sample. The term “cloning” may refer to cloning small DNA fragments (molecular cloning), cloning cell populations (cellular cloning), or cloning entire organisms (reproductive cloning). Genetic testing is performed to identify disease-causing genes, and gene therapy is used to cure an inheritable disease.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Transgenic organisms possess DNA from a different species, usually generated by molecular cloning techniques. Vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones are examples of products obtained by recombinant DNA technology. Transgenic plants are usually created to improve characteristics of crop plants.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Genome mapping is similar to solving a big, complicated puzzle with pieces of information coming from laboratories all over the world. Genetic maps provide an outline for the location of genes within a genome, and they estimate the distance between genes and genetic markers on the basis of recombination frequencies during meiosis. Physical maps provide detailed information about the physical distance between the genes. The most detailed information is available through sequence mapping. Information from all mapping and sequencing sources is combined to study an entire genome.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Whole-genome sequencing is the latest available resource to treat genetic diseases. Some doctors are using whole-genome sequencing to save lives. Genomics has many industrial applications including biofuel development, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and pollution control. The basic principle of all modern-day sequencing strategies involves the chain termination method of sequencing.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Although the human genome sequences provide key insights to medical professionals, researchers use whole-genome sequences of model organisms to better understand the genome of the species. Automation and the decreased cost of whole-genome sequencing may lead to personalized medicine in the future.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Imagination is the only barrier to the applicability of genomics. Genomics is being applied to most fields of biology; it is being used for personalized medicine, prediction of disease risks at an individual level, the study of drug interactions before the conduct of clinical trials, and the study of microorganisms in the environment as opposed to the laboratory. It is also being applied to developments such as the generation of new biofuels, genealogical assessment using mitochondria, advances in forensic science, and improvements in agriculture.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Proteomics is the study of the entire set of proteins expressed by a given type of cell under certain environmental conditions. In a multicellular organism, different cell types will have different proteomes, and these will vary with changes in the environment. Unlike a genome, a proteome is dynamic and in constant flux, which makes it both more complicated and more useful than the knowledge of genomes alone.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
Proteomics approaches rely on protein analysis; these techniques are constantly being upgraded. Proteomics has been used to study different types of cancer. Different biomarkers and protein signatures are being used to analyze each type of cancer. The future goal is to have a personalized treatment plan for each individual.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-chapter-summary
antibiotic resistance : ability of an organism to be unaffected by the actions of an antibiotic
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
biomarker : individual protein that is uniquely produced in a diseased state
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
biotechnology : use of biological agents for technological advancement
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
cDNA library : collection of cloned cDNA sequences
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
cellular cloning : production of identical cell populations by binary fission
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
chain termination method : method of DNA sequencing using labeled dideoxynucleotides to terminate DNA replication; it is also called the dideoxy method or the Sanger method
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
clone : exact replica
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
contig : larger sequence of DNA assembled from overlapping shorter sequences
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
cytogenetic mapping : technique that uses a microscope to create a map from stained chromosomes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
deoxynucleotide : individual monomer (single unit) of DNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
dideoxynucleotide : individual monomer of DNA that is missing a hydroxyl group (–OH)
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
DNA microarray : method used to detect gene expression by analyzing an array of DNA fragments that are fixed to a glass slide or a silicon chip to identify active genes and identify sequences
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
expressed sequence tag (EST) : short STS that is identified with cDNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
false negative : incorrect test result that should have been positive
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
foreign DNA : DNA that belongs to a different species or DNA that is artificially synthesized
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
gel electrophoresis : technique used to separate molecules on the basis of size using electric charge
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
gene targeting : method for altering the sequence of a specific gene by introducing the modified version on a vector
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
gene therapy : technique used to cure inheritable diseases by replacing mutant genes with good genes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic diagnosis : diagnosis of the potential for disease development by analyzing disease-causing genes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic engineering : alteration of the genetic makeup of an organism
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic map : outline of genes and their location on a chromosome
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic marker : gene or sequence on a chromosome with a known location that is associated with a specific trait
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic recombination : exchange of DNA between homologous pairs of chromosomes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetic testing : process of testing for the presence of disease-causing genes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genetically modified organism (GMO) : organism whose genome has been artificially changed
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genome annotation : process of attaching biological information to gene sequences
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genome mapping : process of finding the location of genes on each chromosome
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genomic library : collection of cloned DNA which represents all of the sequences and fragments from a genome
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
genomics : study of entire genomes including the complete set of genes, their nucleotide sequence and organization, and their interactions within a species and with other species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
host DNA : DNA that is present in the genome of the organism of interest
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
linkage analysis : procedure that analyzes the recombination of genes to determine if they are linked
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
lysis buffer : solution used to break the cell membrane and release cell contents
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
metabolome : complete set of metabolites which are related to the genetic makeup of an organism
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
metabolomics : study of small molecule metabolites found in an organism
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
metagenomics : study of the collective genomes of multiple species that grow and interact in an environmental niche
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
microsatellite polymorphism : variation between individuals in the sequence and number of repeats of microsatellite DNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
model organism : species that is studied and used as a model to understand the biological processes in other species represented by the model organism
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
molecular cloning : cloning of DNA fragments
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
multiple cloning site (MCS) : site that can be recognized by multiple restriction endonucleases
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
next-generation sequencing : group of automated techniques used for rapid DNA sequencing
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
northern blotting : transfer of RNA from a gel to a nylon membrane
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
pharmacogenomics : study of drug interactions with the genome or proteome; also called toxicogenomics
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
physical map : representation of the physical distance between genes or genetic markers
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
polygenic : phenotypic characteristic caused by two or more genes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) : technique used to amplify DNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
probe : small DNA fragment used to determine if the complementary sequence is present in a DNA sample
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
protease : enzyme that breaks down proteins
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
protein signature : set of uniquely expressed proteins in the diseased state
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
proteome : entire set of proteins produced by a cell type
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
proteomics : study of the function of proteomes
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
pure culture : growth of a single type of cell in the laboratory
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
radiation hybrid mapping : information obtained by fragmenting the chromosome with x-rays
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
recombinant DNA : combination of DNA fragments generated by molecular cloning that does not exist in nature; also known as a chimeric molecule
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
recombinant protein : protein product of a gene derived by molecular cloning
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
reproductive cloning : cloning of entire organisms
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
restriction endonuclease : enzyme that can recognize and cleave specific DNA sequences
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) : variation between individuals in the length of DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
reverse genetics : method of determining the function of a gene by starting with the gene itself instead of starting with the gene product
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) : PCR technique that involves converting RNA to DNA by reverse transcriptase
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
ribonuclease : enzyme that breaks down RNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
sequence mapping : mapping information obtained after DNA sequencing
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
shotgun sequencing : method used to sequence multiple DNA fragments to generate the sequence of a large piece of DNA
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) : variation between individuals in a single nucleotide
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
Southern blotting : transfer of DNA from a gel to a nylon membrane
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
systems biology : study of whole biological systems (genomes and proteomes) based on interactions within the system
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
Ti plasmid : plasmid system derived fromAgrobacterium tumifaciensthat has been used by scientists to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
transgenic : organism that receives DNA from a different species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) : variation in the number of tandem repeats between individuals in the population
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
whole-genome sequencing : process that determines the DNA sequence of an entire genome
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/17-key-terms
Evolution is the process of adaptation through mutation which allows more desirable characteristics to be passed to the next generation. Over time, organisms evolve more characteristics that are beneficial to their survival. For living organisms to adapt and change to environmental pressures, genetic variation must be present. With genetic variation, individuals have differences in form and function that allow some to survive certain conditions better than others. These organisms pass their favorable traits to their offspring. Eventually, environments change, and what was once a desirable, advantageous trait may become an undesirable trait and organisms may further evolve. Evolution may be convergent with similar traits evolving in multiple species or divergent with diverse traits evolving in multiple species that came from a common ancestor. Evidence of evolution can be observed by means of DNA code and the fossil record, and also by the existence of homologous and vestigial structures.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-chapter-summary
Speciation occurs along two main pathways: geographic separation (allopatric speciation) and through mechanisms that occur within a shared habitat (sympatric speciation). Both pathways isolate a population reproductively in some form. Mechanisms of reproductive isolation act as barriers between closely related species, enabling them to diverge and exist as genetically independent species. Prezygotic barriers block reproduction prior to formation of a zygote, whereas postzygotic barriers block reproduction after fertilization occurs. For a new species to develop, something must cause a breach in the reproductive barriers. Sympatric speciation can occur through errors in meiosis that form gametes with extra chromosomes (polyploidy). Autopolyploidy occurs within a single species, whereas allopolyploidy occurs between closely related species.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-chapter-summary
Speciation is not a precise division: overlap between closely related species can occur in areas called hybrid zones. Organisms reproduce with other similar organisms. The fitness of these hybrid offspring can affect the evolutionary path of the two species. Scientists propose two models for the rate of speciation: one model illustrates how a species can change slowly over time; the other model demonstrates how change can occur quickly from a parent generation to a new species. Both models continue to follow the patterns of natural selection.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-chapter-summary
adaptation : heritable trait or behavior in an organism that aids in its survival and reproduction in its present environment
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
adaptive radiation : speciation when one species radiates out to form several other species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
allopatric speciation : speciation that occurs via geographic separation
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
allopolyploid : polyploidy formed between two related, but separate species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
aneuploidy : condition of a cell having an extra chromosome or missing a chromosome for its species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
autopolyploid : polyploidy formed within a single species
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms
behavioral isolation : type of reproductive isolation that occurs when a specific behavior or lack of one prevents reproduction from taking place
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/18-key-terms