Biology Module 6 Vocab

Genetics

The science that studies how characteristics are passed from parent to offspring

Genetic Factors

The general guidelines of traits determined by a person’s DNA

Environmental Factors

Those “nonbiological” factors that are involved in a person’s surroundings such as the nature of the person’s parents, the person’s friends, and the person’s behavioral choices. They also include things like exposure to chemicals, molds, extreme weather conditions and allergies

Spiritual Factors

The factors in a person’s life that are determined by the quality of his or her relationship with God

Gene

The basic unity of heredity; a section of DNA that contains the code to produce a protein or a portion of a protein, thereby causing a trait

Chromosome

The condensed threads of chromatin (DNA coiled around and supported by proteins) found in the nucleus of the cell

DNA Replication

The process by which two identical DNA molecules are produced from one original DNA molecule

Chromatid

One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome joined by a centromere

Centromere

The region where two sister chromatids are joined tightly together

Triplet

A three-base sequence on DNA

Codon

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

Anticodon

A three-base sequence on tRNA

Mitosis

A process of asexual reproduction in eukaryotic cells

Interphase

The time interval between cellular reproductions

Cytokinesis

The process, usually following mitosis or meiosis in which the cytoplasm of a cell is divided in two