unit 4 vocab

transcription

the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA

translation

the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm

polypeptide

long chain of amino acids that makes proteins

protein

A three dimensional polymer made of monomers of amino acids.

amino acid

monomer of protein

codon

three-nucleotide sequence on messenger RNA that codes for a single amino acid

anticodon

group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to an mRNA codon

mRNA

messenger RNA; type of RNA that carries instructions from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome

tRNA

transfer RNA; type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome

nuclear pore

passageway for molecules into and out of the nucleus

DNA mutation

change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information

DNA replication

The process in which DNA makes a duplicate copy of itself.

nucleotide

monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

base pairs

Any of the pairs formed between complimentary bases in the two nucleotide chains of DNA, such as A-T and C-G (DNA); A-U and C-G (RNA)

ribosome

site of protein synthesis

gene

A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait

transgenic organism

organism that is genetically engineered by inserting a gene from another organism

recombinant DNA

DNA produced by combining DNA from different sources

GMO

Genetically modified organism made when DNA is removed from one organism and placed within the DNA of what can be a very different organism.

DNA fingerprinting

analysis of fragments of DNA as a form of identification

gene

sequence of DNA that codes for a protein and thus determines a trait