Gene Therapy Vocab – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
amniocentesis
answer
A technique for determining genetic abnormalities in a fetus by the presence of certain chemicals or defective fetal cells in the amniotic fluid, obtained by aspiration from a needle inserted into the uterus.
question
anneal
answer
to be capable of combining with complementary nucleic acid by a process of heating and cooling
question
carrier screening
answer
indiscriminate examination of members of a population to detect heterozygotes for serious disorders
question
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
answer
a technique for diagnosing genetic and congenital defects in a fetus by removing and analyzing a sample of the fetal portion of the placenta.
question
Denaturation
answer
In DNA, the separation of the two strands of the double helix.
question
Gene
answer
A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence of DNA.
question
Genetic counseling
answer
A process of communication that deals with the occurrence or risk that a genetic disorder will occur in a family.
question
Genetic Testing
answer
The use of methods to determine if someone has a genetic disorder, will develop one, or is a carrier.
question
Genome
answer
The complement of an organism's genes; an organisms genetic material.
question
Genotype
answer
The genetic makeup of an organism
question
Karyotype
answer
A display of the chromosome pairs of a cell arranged by size and shape.
question
Newborn screening
answer
The analysis of a neonate's blood for metabolic or genetic disorders to prevent mental retardation, disability or death.
question
Phenotype
answer
The physical and physiological traits of an organism.
question
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
answer
A technique that involves copying short pieces of DNA and then making millions of copies in a short period of time.
question
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
answer
In assissted reproductive technology, the determination of genetic abnormalities in the embryo before it is transferred to the uterus.
question
Primer
answer
A short piece of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a section of template strand and acts as an attachment and starting point for the synthesis strand during DNA replication.
question
Restriction enzyme
answer
A degradative enzyme that recognizes specific nucleotide sequences and cuts up DNA.
question
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
answer
One base-pair variation in the genome sequence.
question
Supernatant
answer
The (usually) clear liquid left behind after a precipitatehas been spun down to the bottom of a vessel by centrifugation.
question
Taq polymerase
answer
A DNA synthesis enzyme that can withstand the high temperatures of PCR
question
Thermal cycler
answer
An instrument that automatically cycles through different temperatures used to complete PCR reactions.
question
Ultrasonography
answer
A noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities.
question
Cloning
answer
Using a somatic or body cell from a multicellular organism to make one or more genetically identical individuals.
question
Gene therapy
answer
The alteration of the genes of a person afflicted with a genetic disease.
question
In Vitro Fertilization
answer
A procedure in which gametes are fertilized in a dish in the laboratory, and the resulting zygote is implanted in the uterus for development.
question
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
answer
In assisted reproductive technology, the determination of genetic abnormalities in the embryo before it is transferred to the uterus.
question
Sex selection
answer
Methods used to predetermine or diagnose the sex of an embryo for the purpose of selecting only those embryos of a particular sex for transplanting to the uterus of a woman.
question
Vector
answer
An agent (as a plasmid or virus) that contains or carries modified genetic material and can be used to introduce extra genes into the genome of an organism.
