Mutations lecture 28

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to genetics, mutations, and molecular biology concepts from the lecture notes.

DNA coding strand

The strand of DNA that has the same sequence as the corresponding mRNA and is used as a template for transcription.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; the RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Codons

Sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during translation.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon in mRNA.

Point mutations

A type of mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide, which can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence.

Silent mutation

A point mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Missense mutation

A point mutation that results in a change of one amino acid in the protein.

Nonsense mutation

A point mutation that introduces a premature stop codon in the sequence, leading to truncated protein.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides that changes the reading frame of the genetic message.

Chromosomal mutations

Mutations that affect entire chromosomes or long stretches of DNA, including deletions, duplications, and inversions.

Recombination

The process by which genetic material is physically mixed during meiosis, leading to genetic variation.

Genetic variability

The diversity of gene frequencies within a population, resulting from mutations, recombination, and other processes.

Laccase

An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds and is involved in the breakdown of lignin.

tRNA mutation

A mutation affecting transfer RNA that can cause incorrect amino acid incorporation during protein synthesis.

Mutation types in gametes

Changes in the genetic information in gametes that can be passed on to offspring.

Evolutionary arms race

An ongoing adaptive process between competing species or strains, often leading to genetic changes that confer survival advantages.

Genetic diversity

Variability in the genetic makeup of organisms within a population, providing the raw material for evolution.