genetics

Nucleic acid

Biological molecules that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule, and one or more phosphate groups.

Chromosome

Structures within cells that contain DNA and protein, carrying genetic information and ensuring its accurate replication during cell division.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building proteins and determines specific traits or functions in an organism.

DNA

A molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

Semi-conservative model

The theory that each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand after DNA replication.

Transcription

The process by which the information in a segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) for the purpose of protein synthesis.

Translation

The process by which the information in messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to assemble amino acids into a protein.

mRNA

A type of RNA that carries the genetic information transcribed from DNA and is used as a template for assembling amino acids into proteins during translation

tRNA

A type of RNA that helps decode the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein by transporting specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

A type of RNA that is a key component of ribosomes, where it helps decode

genetic code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins, defining how sequences of nucleotides correspond to specific amino acids.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that corresponds to a specific codon in mRNA, enabling the correct amino acid to be added during protein synthesis

amino acid

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain, which determines each amino acid's properties

Karyotype

The number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, used to analyze chromosomal diseases or abnormalities.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, resulting in genetic diversity in the offspring

Somatic cell

Any cell of a living organism that is not a reproductive cell, which includes all body cells except sperm and eggs

Gamete

A reproductive cell that contains half the genetic material of an organism, specifically sperm in males and eggs in females

Autosome

Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, typically found in pairs in somatic cells, and contains genes that determine various traits in an organism.

Sex chromosome

Any chromosome that determines the sex of an organism, typically found in pairs in somatic cells, containing genes that define sexual characteristics.

Diploid

A cell or organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, typically represented by the notation 2n.

Haploid

A cell or organism that has one complete set of chromosomes, typically represented by the notation n.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, resulting in genetic diversity in the offspring