Vocabulary: (You will be quizzed on these words at the BEGINNING of the unit.  This is done before the student begins to read the text.  Research has shown that students are more likely to read and understand assignments if they have already been exposed to unfamiliar words.)  By test time, you should understand how each word relates to the current unit.

I don't particularly like any one source for these words, so I have defined them for you.  There will be no grade on definitions for this unit.  Quizzes will be given as usual.

1.   transformation: the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another
2.   recombinant DNA: molecule formed when fragments of DNA from two or more different organisms are spliced together.
3.   genetic engineering: intentional production of new genes and alteration of genomes by the substitution or addition of new genetic material
4.   cloning: growing a large number of genetically identical cells from one cell
5.   restriction enzyme: enzyme that recognizes and binds to specific short sequences of DNA, then cuts the DNA at a specific site within that sequence.
6.   vector: agent used to transfer genes in genetic engineering
7.   genome: all of the genes of a particular individual, species, or other group of related individuals
8.   Human Genome Project: effort to determine the nucleotide sequence of every human gene
9.   DNA profile: the sequence of bases in a sample of DNA
10.  DNA fingerprint: a photograph of a pattern of dark bands that reflect the composition of an organism's DNA; photograph is of electrophoresis analysis
11.  electrophoresis: method of separating large molecules, usually nucleic acids or proteins, by their molecular weight
12.  human genome: entire collection of genes within human cells
13.  ligase: an enzyme that joins together sections of DNA
14.  plasmid: small, circular pieces of bacterial DNA which replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome
15.  promoter: section of or before gene that directs the cell to start transcription of the gene (an  "on" switch for a gene)
16.  restriction site: location on a segment of DNA where a restriction enzyme will cut  the DNA
17.  restriction analysis: a genetic engineering technique in which restriction enzymes are used to cut up a section of DNA at specific places; and then compare the  resulting fragments of DNA
18.  base sequence: the order of nitrogenous bases in DNA (ex: AGTTGCTTA)

Textbook Readings :
    Optional:
         The Cartoon Guide to Genetics, pages 116-119; 179-209
         Genetics, a Human Perspective, pages 171-173; ch. 10