genetics terms year 10

DNA

a blueprint containing instructions for traits, located in the nucleus

double helix

a twisted ladder structure of DNA

gene

a segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait

genome

the complete set of an organism's DNA

genotype

the genetic makeup of an organism, the combination of alleles

heredity

the passing of traits from parents to offspring

nucleotide

the basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base

chromosome

a tightly coiled strand of DNA that carries genetic information

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

the molecule that contains the genetic code of living organisms

double helix

a structure of DNA where two strands wind around each other

chromosome

a structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic material

functional unit of heredity

a gene

collection of DNA coding for all genetic instructions in an organism

the genome

bases that pair specifically in DNA

a-t and g-c

pairing of bases that form the rungs of the DNA ladder

base pairing

a process where a cell makes an RNA copy of a DNA segment

transcription

a process where the information in RNA is used to assemble amino acids into proteins

translation

RNA

a nucleic acid similar to DNA but single-stranded and contains uracil instead of thymine

plasmid

a small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria

exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis

crossing over

a sex cell with half the number of chromosomes

a haploid gamete

a cell with two sets of chromosomes

a diploid cell

chromosomes with the same genes in the same order

homologous chromosomes

a form of cell division producing identical diploid cells

mitosis

a form of cell division producing haploid gametes

meiosis

reproductive cells involved in sexual reproduction

gametes

the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote

fertilisation

reproduction involving two parents that produces genetically unique offspring

sexual reproduction

reproduction involving one parent producing genetically identical offspring

asexual reproduction

organism splitting into two parts, each becoming a new organism

binary fission

a mutation involving a change to a single nucleotide

base substitution

large changes to chromosomes that can involve deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations

chromosomal mutations

a mutation where a section of a chromosome is removed

deletion

a mutation where a section of a chromosome is duplicated

duplication

a mutation where a section of a chromosome is inverted

upside-down reattachment inversion

a mutation where a chromosome segment breaks off and reattaches elsewhere

translocation

a structure that has lost its function through evolution

vestigial structure

the process where advantageous traits become more common in a population

natural selection

gradual change in species over many generations

evolution

features in different species that are similar in structure but different in function

homologous structures

features that have lost their original function but remain in the organism

vestigial structures

study of the distribution of organisms across different regions

biogeography

study of early developmental stages of different species

comparative embryology