Control of gene expression official content key terms

Methylation

The addition of a methyl group to DNA, which can affect gene expression and is involved in the regulation of gene activity.

Oestrogen

A steroid hormone that plays a key role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics, and is implicated in certain cancers.

Oncogene

A mutated form of a proto-oncogene that has the potential to cause cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells, often involving genetic mutations and environmental influences.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and structures.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Genome Project

A scientific endeavor aimed at mapping and sequencing the complete DNA of an organism, providing insights into its genetic makeup.

Immunogenicity

The ability of a substance, such as an antigen, to provoke an immune response in the body.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically a protein.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes.

Sequencing

The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Automation

The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Gene cloning

The process of making multiple copies of a specific gene, often using recombinant DNA technology.

Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a host cell, allowing the cell to express the new genetic material.

Recombinant DNA technology

A set of techniques used to join together DNA from different sources, allowing for the manipulation and study of genes.

Gene synthesis

The artificial creation of a gene in the laboratory, often using a gene machine to assemble the nucleotide sequence.

Amplification

The process of increasing the number of copies of a specific DNA sequence, commonly achieved through techniques like PCR.

Thermal Cycler

A laboratory apparatus used to perform PCR by cycling through different temperatures required for denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Recombinant DNA technology

A set of techniques used to manipulate DNA sequences, allowing for the introduction of new genetic material into an organism.

Gene amplification

The process of increasing the number of copies of a specific gene, often achieved through methods like transformed host-cell culture.

Transformed Cells

Cells that have taken up foreign DNA, typically through a process such as transformation or transfection.

Vectors

DNA molecules used to deliver genetic material into cells, often plasmids or viruses.

DNA profiling

A technique used to identify individuals by analyzing the unique patterns in their DNA.

genetic marker

A specific DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals or species.

DNA probe

A labeled fragment of DNA used to detect specific sequences or alleles in a sample.

Hybridization

The process by which a DNA probe binds to its complementary DNA sequence.

Genetic screening

A method used to identify individuals at risk for genetic disorders through testing for specific genetic markers.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

A technique used to test embryos for genetic conditions before implantation during in vitro fertilization.

DNA sequencing

The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, generating millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.