Unit 6 DNA and Chromosomes

DNA

a set of instructions that tells living things how to grow, develop, and function

nucleotide

a subunit of DNA that contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base

double helix

the shape of a strand of DNA

gene

a specific section of a DNA strand

chromosome

an X-shaped structure that DNA is organized into

protein synthesis

the process cells use to make proteins from the code in DNA

transcription

the copying of DNA sequence into a messenger RNA molecules

Translation

the reading of mRNA by a ribosome to build a protein

homologous chromosomes

pairs of matching chromosomes

autosomes

pairs of chromosomes that are the same in males and females

sex chromosomes

pair of chromosomes that determines an individual's gender

karyote

a diagram that maps out an organism's chromosomes

chromosomal abnormalties

changes in the number or structure of chromosomes

trisomy

an abnormality that causes three copies of a chromosome

mutation

structural changes in DNA

insertion

mutation where an extra DNA is added

deletion

mutation where a DNA base is missing

substitution

mutation where one DNA base is swapped with another