Genetics, Evolution, and DNA Structure Review

Flashcards covering molecular biology, genetics, mitosis, meiosis, evolution, and DNA replication based on lecture tasks.

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a $5$ carbon sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

Complementary Bases in DNA

The pairing rule where Adenine pairs with Thymine and Cytosine pairs with Guanine.

Mutation

A change in the DNA that occurs due to an error in the copying process.

RNA bases

The four nitrogen bases found in RNA: Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Uracil (U).

Transcription

The process where $mRNA$ writes down the DNA code in the nucleus and takes it to the ribosomes.

Translation

The process where $tRNA$ brings amino acids to the ribosome based on the $mRNA$ code to form a protein.

Ribosomes

Protein making factories found in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Codon

A $3$ letter segment of the $mRNA$ code read during translation.

Amino Acids

The building blocks or monomers of proteins brought by $tRNA$ to the ribosome.

Mitosis

A type of cell division occurring in body cells that creates $2$ identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division occurring in sex cells that creates $4$ unique haploid daughter cells.

Crossing Over

A process occurring in Prophase I of Meiosis where chromosomes swap DNA to increase genetic variation.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics of an organism, such as brown fur or tan fur.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism represented by letters, such as $BB$, $Bb$, or $bb$.

Homozygous Dominant

A genotype consisting of two dominant alleles, represented as $BB$.

Heterozygous

A genotype consisting of two different alleles, represented as $Bb$.

Incomplete Dominance

A type of inheritance where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend, such as red and white flowers producing pink offspring.

Codominance

A type of inheritance where both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

Pedigree

A family chart used to show the occurrence of a genetic trait or disorder through generations.

Sex-Linked Disorder

A genetic disorder specifically found on the $X$ chromosome, such as colorblindness.

Theory of Evolution

The development of new species from pre-existing species by changing over time, as proposed by Charles Darwin.

Natural Selection

The process where the environment determines which adaptations provide an advantage for survival and reproduction.

Homologous Structures

Similar bone structures in the limbs of different organisms, such as humans, cats, bats, and horses, indicating a common ancestor.

Helicase

The enzyme that splits the strands of DNA apart during replication.

Polymerase

The enzyme that builds the new strand of DNA by adding nucleotides.

Ligase

The enzyme that "glues" DNA segments together during replication.

Okazaki Fragments

Small segments of DNA produced on the lagging strand during replication.

Leading Strand

The strand of DNA that is made continuously during the replication process.