Biology 211: Biomolecules and Cellular Systems

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary terms and definitions from the Biology 211 course focusing on biomolecules and cellular systems.

Molecular Genetics

The study of the structure, function, and behavior of genes at a molecular level.

Genetic Transformation

The process by which genetic material is taken up by a cell, resulting in genetic change.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that carries instructions for making a protein or an RNA.

Allele

Variant forms of a gene caused by differences in DNA sequence.

Genome

All the genetic information of an organism, its entire DNA sequence.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism, influenced by both genotype and environment.

Genotype

The specific genes inherited by an individual.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize RNA and proteins.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The synthesis of proteins from an mRNA template.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made up of amino acids that play vital roles in the body.

Central Dogma of Biology

The framework explaining the transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Heredity

The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

The theory that chromosomes carry genes and are responsible for the inheritance of traits.

Virulent Strain

A strain of bacteria that causes disease.

Nonvirulent Strain

A strain of bacteria that does not cause disease.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects bacteria.

Lytic Cycle

The process by which a virus replicates and eventually causes the lysis of its host cell.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals, leading to diversity in traits.

Forensics

The application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes.

Phylogenetics

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

Bioremediation

The use of microorganisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated environment.

Diagnostics

Tests and techniques used to identify diseases or health issues.

Evolutionary Biology

The study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that plays a role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

Griffith's Experiment

An experiment that demonstrated the process of transformation in bacteria.

Avery's Experiment

Identified DNA as the transforming principle in Griffith's experiment.

Hershey and Chase Experiment

Provided evidence that DNA is the genetic material using bacteriophages.

Protease

An enzyme that breaks down proteins by cleaving the bonds between amino acids.

RNAse

An enzyme that degrades RNA molecules.

DNAase

An enzyme that degrades DNA molecules.

Phosphodiester Bonds

Covalent bonds that link nucleotides in DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Double Helix

The spiral structure formed by two strands of DNA wound around each other, resembling a twisted ladder.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

Carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

A type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA sequence into a protein during translation.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

A primary component of ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis by catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds.

DNA Replication

The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule.

Mutation

A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins (amino acid sequences) by living cells.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing DNA by adding nucleotides one by one to a growing DNA strand.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during the process of transcription.