Chapter_14_DNA_History__Structure_and_Replication

DNA Structure

The physical composition of DNA, which is composed of two strands forming a double helix, and contains nucleotides.

Nucleotide

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

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.

Human Genome Project

An international scientific project started in 1990 aimed at mapping all of the genes within the human genome.

DNA Replication

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

Telomere

The protective end of a chromosome that stabilizes the chromosome and prevents it from deterioration.

Watson and Crick

James Watson and Francis Crick, scientists who elucidated the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953.

Complementary Strands

The two strands of DNA that are opposite each other, adhering to base pairing rules.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins (histones) found in eukaryotic cells, which condenses to form chromosomes.

Eukaryotic Genome

The complete set of genetic material present in a eukaryotic organism, organized into linear chromosomes.

Prokaryotic Genome

The genetic information of a prokaryotic organism, typically consisting of a single circular chromosome.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to amplify a specific DNA region, resulting in the production of millions of copies from a small initial sample.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to altered protein functions or traits.

X-ray Crystallography

A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal, revealing the arrangement of atoms within.

DNA Repair

Cellular mechanisms that identify and correct damage to the DNA molecules that encode the genome.

Semi-Conservative Replication

A method of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

End Replication Conundrum

The problem that occurs during DNA replication at the ends of linear chromosomes, where DNA cannot be fully replicated.

Gene Therapy

A medical field focused on treating or preventing disease by modifying the expression of genes.