ABE Chapter 4 Glossary

Front

DNA ladder

Back

A set of known DNA fragments with different sizes in base pairs (bp) or kilo bases (kb). These DNA fragments are separated and visualized as DNA bands on a gel. Together, the separated DNA bands look like a ladder on the gel. Used in gel electrophoresis to determine the size and quantity of unknown DNA fragments.

Front

Ligate

Back

To join together two DNA ends.

Front

Ligation

Back

The reaction that chemically joins two or more fragments of DNA, resulting in a recombinant DNA molecule.

Front

Loading Dye

Back

A set of dyes that are added to biomolecules such as DNA for gel electrophoresis. One dye moves farther than the sample, which indicates that it is time to stop running the gel.

Front

Multimer

Back

A plasmid configuration consisting of multiple plasmids that have interlocked during formation so they are like links in a chain.

Front

Nicked Circle

Back

A plasmid configuration that consists of a single plasmid that has a break in one of its two strands. The shape of this plasmid is circular.

Front

Supercoiled

Back

A plasmid configuration consisting of a single plasmid that has been twisted. The shape of this plasmid is more compact (takes up less space) than the circular form.

Front

Verify

Back

Establish that something is true, accurate, or able to be defended.