Genes and proteins vocab

Allele

A variant form of a specific gene

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

chromosome

A single, highly organized and structured piece of DNA

Gene

the basic physical and functional unit of heredity made up of DNA

DNA

A long, twisted ladder shaped molecule that is the source of the coded instructions for cell growth and reproduction

heterozygons

having two different alleles of a particular gene of genes

homozygous

having inherited the same versions of a genetic marker from each biological parent

proteins

biomolecules made up of amino acids and found in a living cell that performs bodily functions

variants

different forms of a gene that can exist at a particular locus. (different forms of versions of something)

replication

when cells make copies of DNA molecules before they divide to form new cells

transcription

when a cell makes copy of RNA from DNA

translation

when a protein is made from RNA

gene expression

the ability of cells to turn genes on and off

genetic disorders

conditions caused by mutations that occur in genes

genotype

the genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits

mutation

a permanent change in a gene of chromosome of a cell. A change in order of bases, number of bases, and type.

mutagen

A physical change or chemical agent that can cause a change in DNA (x rays, chemicals)

phenotype

the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of it’s genotype with the environment