Unit 5 Study Guide

Chromosome

A condensed structure made of DNA that carries genetic information.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genetic material within a population.

DNA

Molecule storing genetic information, found in chromosomes.

Protein Synthesis

Process of translating DNA information into proteins.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that occur at a specific locus on chromosomes.

Punnett Square

Tool for determining the probability of genotypes and phenotypes in offspring.

Gene Expression

Process of transcribing DNA into mRNA to produce proteins.

Inducible operon

Operon that is activated in the presence of a specific molecule or substance.

Repressible operon

Operon that is deactivated in the presence of a specific molecule or substance.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA is tightly wound in eukaryotic cells.

Epigenome

Chemical compounds that influence the accessibility of genes to transcription enzymes, regulating gene expression.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to DNA sequences, controlling the rate of transcription and initiating RNA polymerase activity.

Enhancers

DNA sequences that accelerate the transcription process.

Silencers

DNA sequences that decelerate the transcription process.

Introns

Non-coding segments of DNA that are removed during mRNA processing.

Exons

Coding segments of DNA that are spliced together during mRNA processing.

5’ cap

Nucleotide structure added to the front of mRNA to facilitate ribosome binding and prevent mRNA degradation.

Poly-A tail

Nucleotide structure added to the end of mRNA to enhance stability and aid in nuclear export.

Translational regulation

Regulation of gene expression that occurs during protein synthesis in the cytoplasm, affecting translation efficiency.

Polygenetic traits

Traits influenced by multiple genes.

Epistasis

Genes that alter the expression of other genes.

Internal factors

Factors within an organism that can impact gene expression.