DNA, Mutations, and Artificial Selection

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA, mutations, and artificial selection.

Chromosome

Coiled up strands of DNA located in the nucleus of a cell.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

The 'code of life'; the blueprint for an organism.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

Protein

Responsible for cell structures and functions; codes for a trait.

Trait

Inherited characteristics determined by dominant/recessive alleles.

Mutations

Changes in DNA.

Beneficial Mutation

A mutation that will help/be good for the organism.

Neutral Mutation

A mutation that will not help or harm the organism (no effect).

Harmful Mutation

A mutation that will hurt the organism.

Inherited Trait

Traits you are born with.

Acquired Trait

Traits you gain/learn over time.

Genetic Factor

Your genetics/DNA; things you inherit, such as eye color.

Environmental Factor

Things from your environment that could impact your growth/development.

Artificial Selection

Breeding of plants and animals to create new organisms that display desirable traits with human involvement.

Selective Breeding

Selecting and crossing two organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those same traits.

Genetic Engineering

Taking DNA out of one organism and inserting it into another to create a new organism.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism that has been genetically engineered.

Transgenic

An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the organism acquiring them through reproduction.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, often involving genetic engineering.

Bioengineered

Organisms that have been altered through genetic engineering.

Ethical Concern

A question regarding whether something is right or wrong, or good or bad.

Pesticide

Chemical engineered to help farmers kill pests.

Insecticide

Chemical engineered to help farmers kill insects.

Herbicide

Chemical engineered to help farmers kill plants.

Resistant

An organism's ability to withstand something.