BIO111 Unit 5 - DNA Structure and Function

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains the instruction book for building and maintaining an organism.

Genome

The totality of genes and genetic information within an organism.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains the instruction book for building and maintaining an organism.

Genome

The totality of genes and genetic information within an organism.

Chromosome

A large fragment of DNA that contains many genes, the number of which varies by species.

Chromatin

The loose, partially unfurled state of DNA that makes genes accessible for reading and use.

Nucleotide

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

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nucleotide bases in DNA; Adenine (A) with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) with Cytosine (C).

Genotype

The specific genetic information contained in a gene, determined by the sequence of A, T, C, and G.

Phenotype

The expression of the genotype as observable traits or characteristics.

Plasticity

The flexibility in gene expression, allowing genes to be turned on or off depending on environmental conditions.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA coils to organize and compact the genetic material in the nucleus.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, a single-stranded molecule that is used by cells to convey genetic information from DNA for protein synthesis.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional product, typically a protein.

Nitrogenous Bases

The components of nucleotides in DNA; Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that hold together complementary base pairs in the DNA double helix.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA for protein synthesis.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus; their genetic material is found in the nucleoid.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; they may have multiple linear chromosomes.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The phenomenon where environmental factors influence the expression of genes.