Unit 8_Mutations and Gene Expression Practice

Vocabulary terms covering DNA/RNA structure, protein synthesis (transcription and translation), gene regulation, and cell differentiation based on Unit 5 lecture notes.

DNA Backbone

Formed by Phosphate and Sugar, these provide structure to the molecule but do not code for traits; they are the same in every organism.

Nitrogen Base

The components A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine) whose specific order determines an organism's unique traits.

Genetic Code

The sequencing or order of nucleotides, specifically the nitrogenous bases, which forms unique genetic information for an organism.

DNA nucleotides

Consist of $3$ parts: a Phosphate, a Deoxyribose sugar, and a Nitrogen Base (A, T, C, or G).

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A single-stranded nucleic acid that converts genetic information into a protein, containing ribose sugar and the base Uracil instead of Thymine.

Transcription

The first step of protein synthesis occurring in the nucleus where mRNA makes a complementary copy of the DNA strand.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme used during the initiation of transcription to unwind and separate DNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

The end product of transcription that carries a copy of genetic information out of the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Translation

The second step of protein synthesis occurring in the ribosome/cytoplasm where mRNA is decoded to form a polypeptide chain.

Codon

A sequence of $3$ nucleotides on an mRNA strand read by the ribosome during translation.

Anti-Codon

A sequence of three nitrogen bases in a row on tRNA that matches with the mRNA codon.

Gene Expression

When a trait is shown in the physical attributes of an organism, such as hair color, texture, or height.

Gene Regulation

The process where genes interact with and respond to environmental factors or internal/external stimuli to control when genes are activated.

BRCA 1 Gene

A gene that contains instructions to fix 'broken' DNA; environmental factors can deactivate it, leading to a higher likelihood of tumors in approximately $1$ in every $500$ women.

Somatic Cells

Body cells where any information or damage only affects the organism itself.

Gametes

Sex cells where information or damage can be passed on to future generations.

Cell Differentiation

The process starting at about $9$ weeks gestation where cells become specialized and take on specific roles in an organism.

Stem cells

Cells with no assigned role that can become any type of cell in the body.