Ch 4.5, 4.6 term and ch 5(part 1) terms

DNA

The genetic material.

Replication

The copying of a DNA molecule.

Genetic Code

Information for synthesizing proteins encoded in the nucleotide sequence of DNA molecules. Key Concept: A 3-letter sequence forms 1 codon (e.g., ATG, CCT).

Transcription

Manufacturing a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

RNA that transmits information for a protein's amino acid sequence from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Translation

The assembly of an amino acid chain according to the sequence of base triplets in an mRNA molecule.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

An RNA molecule that carries specific amino acids to a ribosome during protein synthesis.

Anticodon

Three nucleotides of a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that are complementary to a specific mRNA codon.

Basement membrane

A layer of nonliving material that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue.

Simple squamous epithelium

A single layer of thin, flat cells that resemble fried eggs or flattened scales.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

A single layer of cube-like cells with large, central, spherical nuclei.

Lumen

The hollow part of a tubular structure, such as a blood vessel or intestine.

Simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of tall, column-shaped cells specialized for absorption and secretion.

Microvilli

Tiny finger-like projections on the surface of some cells that help increase surface area for absorption.

Goblet cells

Epithelial cell specialized to secrete mucus.

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Single layer of cells appearing as more than one layer because the nuclei occupy different positions in the cell.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Body tissue made up of multiple layers of flat cells that protect underlying areas from wear & tear.

Stratified columnar epithelium

Rare type of tissue made of multiple layers of rectangular, column-shaped cells on the surface, with smaller, cube-shaped or irregular cells underneath.

Transitional Epithelium

Stretchy tissue that lines the urinary tract.

Endocrine gland

Gland that secretes hormones into the bloodstream; hormone-secreting gland.

Merocrine glands

A structure whose cells remain intact while secreting; a type of sweat gland.

Apocrine glands

Type of gland whose secretions contain part of secretory cells.

Holocrine gland

Gland whose secretion contains entire secretory cells.

Serous cell

Glandular cell that secretes a watery lubricating fluid (serous fluid).

Mucous cell

Glandular cell that secretes mucus.

Glands

Organs made of epithelial tissues.

Stratified tissue

Epithelial tissue made of two or more layers of cells stacked on top of each other.

Codon

Set of three contiguous nucleotides of a messenger RNA molecule that specifies a particular amino acid.

Tissue

An assembled group of similar cells that work together to perform a specialized function.