Synthetic Biology & iGEM Terms
Are some of the procedures we discuss unfamiliar? Wish you knew more about synthetic biology and iGEM? Look no further than this document, which includes some commonly used terms for easy reference.
![](https://d3t9s8cdqyboc5.cloudfront.net/images?path=51071/jmfIyvx5RgWWgjuO9b3A_6f00ddb18f933989fee2cd176a14bf6d.jpg&width=650&height=)
Assay: Another name for “experiment,” but an experiment designed to qualitatively or quantitatively measure the characteristics of a specific target
Autoclave: A machine that uses both steam and pressure to sterilize laboratory fluids and equipment
BioBrick: A standardized, interchangeable biological part (small sequence of DNA) that can be used in genetic constructs with a specific restriction enzyme assembly method
Characterization: Typically a term applied to protein analysis, characterization occurs through a series of assays to determine the properties of specific proteins produced by a genetic construct
Chassis: A chassis is the host organism for designed genetic constructs; a chassis may be a microbe, plant, or animal
Competent cells: Competent cells are more likely to uptake foreign DNA (a desirable quality in synthetic biology) than their wild counterparts
Digestion: The use of restriction enzymes to modify DNA segments by cleaving or cutting at specific points to have compatible ends for ligation, the next step in DNA cloning
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, is a molecule that is used to encode information about growth, development, function, and reproduction; it’s what makes us who we are--unique individuals.
Enzyme: A biological molecule that serves as a catalyst, accelerating complex chemical reactions
Expression: The process by which the instructions written in DNA are used to create a functional protein product; hence, a gene is “expressed”
Gel electrophoresis: A method to separate DNA fragments from other particles in which electricity is run through an agarose gel, resulting in differently-sized fragments being pulled through the gel different distances
Gel extraction: After gel electrophoresis, the process in which desired fragments are cut from a gel and the gel is cleaned from them, leaving only appropriate DNA
Genetic construct: A complete modified genetic sequence that is inserted into a chassis
GFP: Green fluorescent protein, a common gene included with an inserted DNA sequence to check for expression, as the GFP will be visible, whereas the desired protein may not
Giant Jamboree: International iGEM competition that is held annually in Boston; the weekend is at the end of October, and this year 302 teams will participate
"Growth on a plate": Typically, an indication that a transformation was successful; cells are grown on antibiotic plates and can only survive if they have uptaken the plasmid with the genetic construct on it; growth is typically apparent in either a cloudy appearance to the plate or small, round colonies dotted across its surface
Human Practices (HP): An emphasis of iGEM and competition requirement, HP involves that which is “beyond the bench” including ethics, sustainability, safety, security, and intellectual property issues
Ligation: After digestion, the next step in assembly in which digested DNA pieces are joined together
Miniprep: A process for isolating small amounts of DNA from bacteria by splitting open (lysing) the cells and purifying the plasmid DNA within them
Part: A BioBrick, or part of a genetic construct
PCR amplification: A process by which copies of a single DNA fragment are synthesized using DNA polymerase, an enzyme that creates DNA by assembling its small particles
Pipette: An instrument by which small amounts of liquids are precisely measured
Plasmid: A small, typically circular piece of DNA found in cells that can replicate independently from chromosomal DNA
PPE: Personal protective equipment, safety measures such as lab coats, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes that must be worn at all times in the laboratory
Restriction enzyme: An enzyme that recognizes a particular sequence of bases in DNA, and then cuts the DNA's backbone at that point
RFP: Red fluorescent protein, a common gene included with an inserted DNA sequence to check for expression, as the RFP will be visible, whereas the desired protein may not
"Running a gel": The process by which gel electrophoresis is completed in which electricity is actively flowing through a gel
Transformation: The process by which a competent cell uptakes a plasmid with desired genetic constructs in it
Vector: A vehicle to insert genetic material into a cell; a plasmid is a vector
Wiki: The most comprehensive report of an iGEM project; every team is required to create and maintain a wiki, which serves as their project’s permanent record
0 comments