Genomic- Week 1 Lecture 2

Vocabulary flashcards for Genomics course BIOL 387/495.

Genome

The entire set of DNA of an organism.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded molecule that twists like a spiral staircase, containing deoxyribose sugars, phosphates, and nitrogenous bases.

Base pair (bp)

Unit used to measure genome size, referring to the number of nitrogenous bases.

Chromatin

Condensed complex of DNA and proteins.

Genes

Segment of DNA with instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.

Non-coding regions

Regulatory sequences, regions with unknown functions, repetitive sequences, some transcribed but not translated.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; transcribed from DNA and translated to proteins.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; transfers amino acids to the translation process.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; part of the ribosome (along with proteins) for building protein.

Codon

Sequence of 3 nucleotides that is converted to one amino acid or signals the end of protein synthesis.

Point mutation

Substitution of a single base.

Alleles

Genetic variations of a gene.

Locus

Physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

Homozygous

Two identical alleles.

Heterozygous

Two different alleles.

Silent mutation

Has no effect on the protein sequence.

Missense mutation

Results in an amino acid substitution.