EXAM #3

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to DNA biotechnology and genetic diseases.

Nucleus

The cell organelle that contains the genetic material and regulates gene expression.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is the site of many metabolic processes.

Plasma Membrane

The outer membrane of a cell that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

DNA Replication

The process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in phenotype or function of cells.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which a sequence of RNA is used to create a sequence of amino acids in a protein.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA, creating millions of copies from a small initial sample.

Central Dogma

The framework for understanding genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to protein.

Gene Expression

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

Oncogene

A gene that has the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

A gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer; a mutation can lead to loss of function and promote tumor growth.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that occurs without the fusion of gametes, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction involving the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to separate nucleic acids or proteins based on their size and charge.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, which can lead to genetic disorders.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism from one generation to the next.

Pleiotropy

The phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits.

Polygenic Inheritance

The inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes, leading to a continuous range of phenotypes.

Signal Transduction Pathway

A series of molecular events and chemical reactions that lead to a cellular response.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving two traits, each controlled by different genes.