Bio Unit 6

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically proteins.

DNA Structure

The arrangement of nucleotides in a double helix that encodes genetic information.

RNA Processing

The modification of RNA after transcription, including splicing, capping, and polyadenylation.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process wherein ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.

Gene Regulation

The mechanisms that control the expression of genes, determining when and how much of each gene product is produced.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms or their products to develop or create new products, often involving genetic manipulation.

Phenotype

The observable physical and physiological traits of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, consisting of alleles inherited from both parents.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Variations in a single nucleotide that occur at a specific position in the genome.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate transcription of genetic information.

Regulatory Sequences

DNA sequences that regulate the transcription of a gene by providing binding sites for transcription factors.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Cell Specialization

The process in which generic cells change into specific cells meant to do specific tasks.