Biotech Glossary

The comparison of map locations of genes between species. The results of these comparisons indicate substantial conservation of blocks of genes and even large segments of chromosomes between species. Great use can be made of this conservation of map position. For example, in the case of mammals, it means that if a gene…

A technique that identifies overlapping cloned DNA fragments that form one continuous segment of a chromosome. These fragments can be generated either by random shearing or by partial digestion with a four-base-pair cutter such as Sau3A. A series of colony hybridizations is then carried out, starting with some cloned…

The theory that chromosomes carry the genetic information and that their behaviour during meiosis provides the physical basis for segregation and independent assortment.

Baculoviruses are a class of insect virus which have been used to make DNA cloning vectors for gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Baculoviruses have a gene which is expressed at very high levels late in their infection cycle, filling the nucleus of the cell with many-sided bodies full of a protein which is not needed…

(Gr. bakterion, a stick; pl: bacteria)  Common name for the class Schizomycetes: minute (0.5-5mm), unicellular organisms, without a distinct nucleus. Bacteria are prokaryotes, and most of them are identified by means of Gram staining (q.v.). They are classified on the basis of their oxygen requirement (aerobic vs…

1. The physical location where collections of genetic material in the form of seeds, tissues or reproductive cells of plants or animals are stored. 2. Field gene bank: A facility established for the ex situ storage and maintenance, using horticultural techniques, of individual plants. Used for species whose seeds…

In relation to any two loci, the occurrence of haplotypes (gametes) with a frequency equal to the product of the frequency of the two relevant alleles, e.g., loci A and B are in linkage equilibrium if the frequency of the haplotype (gamete) AiBi equals the product of the frequencies of alleles Ai and Bi. a.k.a. linkage…

Technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science and medicine. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defines biotechnology as any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for…

A device or system for growing cells or tissues in the context of cell culture. The process of fermentation is performed in a bioreactor to grow large volumes of cells for producing specific proteins.

A substance used as an indicator of a biologic state. It is a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacologic response to a specific therapy. Biomarker identification and measurement are regarded as key developments for the…