Definitions

By

Marrium Mansoor
Biotechnology
Dr. Shah Rukh Abbas

BIOTECHNOLOGY
The application of living organisms or their derivatives to make products that are useful
for us humans in our lifestyle. The field of biotechnology uses biological proofs and
manipulates them to create goods that uniquely beneficial.

TRANSGENIC
Gene(s) pertaining to an organism of a species transferred to another organism of a
different species through genetic engineering methods for some specific purpose.

RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

The formation of an entirely new genetic sequence from the combination of the DNA
sequences of two different organisms or species for a desirable product. The new
sequence once formed is inserted into a host organism (as a vector) that then allows for
the replication or expression of the sequence.

VECTOR
The recombinant DNA formed from the DNA of different organisms (of different
species) that is used to carry an entirely new genetic sequence into a host organism for
replication or expression of a desired product.

RESTRICTION ENZYMES
Also known as Restriction Endonucleases and Molecular Scissors. They are a
particular group of enzymes used to cut a DNA sequence at a specific point for isolation
of a particular sequence. They have a very important role in Recombinant DNA
technology and the formation of vectors.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO)

These are unique organisms with genomic sequences altered through genetic engineering
technology for a certain trait usually not found within the original species of the
organisms.

POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

The technique by which an isolated DNA sequence or gene can be replicated numerous
times (from thousands of copies to millions) as per requirement. It is a very cost-efficient
and time-efficient method of gene amplification hence its widespread use in labs

everywhere. Its advent resulted in genetic engineering becoming a much more feasible
option for geneticists as it dramatically reduced the cost of copying genetic sequences.

GENE THERAPY
For me, gene therapy is the most exhilarating application of biotechnology and genetic
engineering principles to date. We can cure diseases with genetic causes by identifying
and manipulating the specific DNA mutations responsible for them. This opens up a
world of innumerable possibilities for curing such diseases that were previously thought
to be incurable.

CREATION OF SYNTHIA WORLDS FIRST SYNTHETIC LIFE FORM

In May 2010, a group of 20 scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute created a synthetic
genome that they then introduced into an existing bacterial cell (that had its own genome
removed). The new bacteria successfully replicated its artificial genome in its successive
generations, thus becoming the first synthetic life form manufactured by human beings.