Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and (in some cases) sulfur bonded in characteristic formations. Strings of amino acids make up proteins.
A pair of chemicals that form the "rungs" on a DNA molecule, which has the shape of a spiral staircase.
A name for the industry built around the application of genetic engineering techniques.
A DNA-containing body, located in the cells of most living things, that holds most of the organism's genes.
A cell, group of cells, or organism that contains genetic in formationidentical to that of its parent cell or organism.
A specialized genetic process whereby clones are produced. Cloning is a form of asexual reproduction.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule in all cells, and many viruses, that contains genetic codes for inheritance.
A protein material that speeds up chemical reactions in the bodies of plants and animals without itself taking part in or being consumed by those reactions.
A unit of information about a particular heritable trait. Usually stored on chromosomes, genes contain specifications for the structure of a particular polypeptide or protein.
A process wherebyrecombinant DNA is formed by cutting a DNA strand in half lengthwise and joining it with a strand from another organism or perhaps even another species.
The introduction of normal or genetically altered genes to cells, typically to replace defective genes involved in genetic disorders.
Incorporation of new DNA into an organism's cells, usually with the help of a micro organism that serves as a vector.
A condition, such as a hereditary disease, that can be traced to an individual's genetic makeup.
The alteration of genetic material by direct intervention in genetic processes with the purpose of producing new substances or improving functions of existing organisms.
The control center of a cell, where DNA is stored.
Large molecules built from long chains of 50 or more amino acids. Proteins serve the functions of promoting normal growth, repairing damaged tissue, contributing to the body's immune system, and making enzymes.
Recombinant DNA, or DNA that has been genetically altered through gene splicing.
Enzymes that break DNA into fragments at particular sites.
In the context of genetics, a vector is a microorganism or virus that is used to transfer DNA from one organism to another.
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