Unit_9-Chapter_8.4-8.7_presentation

Gene

A segment of DNA that provides the information for making a specific protein.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, carried in the sequence of its DNA bases.

Polypeptide

A linear sequence of amino acids that forms part of a protein.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of converting the sequence of mRNA into an amino acid sequence.

Central Dogma

The process that describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

RNA that carries the information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

RNA that makes up the ribosome, where proteins are assembled.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Codon

A three-base sequence on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Operon

A group of genes and regulatory sequences that control gene expression in prokaryotes.

Promoter

The site where RNA polymerase attaches to initiate transcription.

Operator

A segment of DNA that determines whether RNA polymerase can attach to the promoter.

Point mutation

A change in a single nucleotide sequence in DNA.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation resulting from the insertion or deletion of nucleotides that alters the reading frame.

Mutagen

An agent, such as radiation or a chemical, that causes mutations in DNA.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not affect the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene that leads to misshapen red blood cells.

Chromosomal mutations

Mutations that involve large segments of DNA or entire chromosomes, including duplications and translocations.

Natural selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA and associated proteins, carrying genetic information.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Transposon

A DNA sequence that can change its position within the genome, potentially altering gene function.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the fusion of male and female gametes.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually protein.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell makes a copy of its DNA prior to cell division.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA for analysis.

Gene Therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

CRISPR

A genome-editing tool that allows for precise alterations in DNA sequences.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression.

Exon

A segment of a gene that codes for a protein, part of the mRNA after splicing.

Intron

A non-coding segment of a gene that is removed during RNA processing.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence.

Telomere

The protective cap at the end of a chromosome that shortens with each cell division.

Karyotype

A visual representation of the complete set of chromosomes in an organism.

DNA Sequencing

The process of determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

Locus

The specific physical location of a gene or genetic marker on a chromosome.

Allele frequency

The proportion of a specific allele among all allele copies in a population.

Genetic drift

A mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Nucleotide

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

Chromatid

One of two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.

Cytosine

One of the four main nucleobases in DNA and RNA, represented by the letter 'C'.

Thymine

One of the four main nucleobases in DNA, represented by the letter 'T'.

Amino acid

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, encoded by sequences of DNA.

Genetic marker

A specific gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used in genetic studies.

Epistasis

A genetic interaction where the effect of one gene is dependent on the presence of one or more 'modifier genes'.

Transcriptional regulation

The mechanisms that determine the level of gene expression by controlling transcription.

Polygenic traits

Traits that are influenced by multiple genes, leading to a range of phenotypic outcomes.

Transgenic organism

An organism that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Somatic mutation

A mutation that occurs in a somatic cell and cannot be inherited.