Genetics - On-Ramp

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering core genetics concepts from the lecture notes.

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation in organisms.

Central dogma of molecular genetics

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into proteins; flow of genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; molecule that stores genetic information in cells; composed of nucleotides (A, T, G, C) with a sugar–phosphate backbone; forms a double helix.

Adenine (A)

Purine nucleotide that pairs with thymine in DNA (A–T) and with uracil in RNA (A–U).

Guanine (G)

Purine nucleotide that pairs with cytosine (G–C).

Thymine (T)

Pyrimidine nucleotide in DNA that pairs with adenine (T–A).

Cytosine (C)

Pyrimidine nucleotide that pairs with guanine (C–G).

Base pairing rules

A pairs with T (or U in RNA); G pairs with C.

Sugar-phosphate backbone

The repeating sugar-phosphate framework that supports nucleic acids.

Double helix

Two DNA strands wound around each other, forming the classic DNA structure.

5' to 3' direction

Polarity of nucleic acids; synthesis proceeds from the 5' end to the 3' end.

Transcription

Process by which RNA polymerase copies a DNA sequence into an RNA transcript.

Translation

Process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from an mRNA template, using tRNA.

RNA polymerase

Enzyme that builds RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; delivers amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Ribosome

Molecular complex that reads mRNA and assembles amino acids into a polypeptide; has A and P sites.

Polyadenylation signal (AAUAAA)

RNA sequence that signals addition of a poly-A tail to the 3' end of eukaryotic mRNA.

Poly-A tail

Chain of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA; increases stability and export.

P generation

Parental generation in Mendelian genetics; the initial cross in a breeding experiment.

F1 generation

First filial generation; offspring of the P generation.

F2 generation

Second filial generation; offspring of F1 individuals.

Punnett square

A grid used to predict possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in a genetic cross.

Genomic DNA (gDNA)

DNA in its natural form extracted from cells, representing the organism's genome.

cDNA

Complementary DNA synthesized in the lab from an mRNA template via reverse transcription.

BRCA1

Gene involved in DNA repair; mutations raise risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

BRCA2

Gene involved in DNA repair; mutations raise risk of breast and ovarian cancer; works with BRCA1.

DNA repair pathway

Cell's network of proteins (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2, RAD51, ATM/ATR) that detect and repair DNA damage.

ACLU v. Myriad Genetics

Supreme Court ruling that naturally occurring human genes cannot be patented.

Gene patent

Legal protection granting exclusive rights to use a specific gene sequence for testing or research.