Lecture 1: Genetics and Genetic Material

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to genetics and genetic research as presented in the lecture.

Hypotheticodeductive method

A scientific method involving making observations, forming hypotheses, and testing predictions.

Genomic revolution

The current phase of advancements in genetics aimed at understanding complete genomic DNA sequences and functions.

Mendelian genetics

The study of the inheritance of traits based on Gregor Mendel's principles, focusing on how genes and traits are transmitted across generations.

Avery's Transformation Experiments

Experiments that identified DNA as the 'transforming principle' in bacterial transformation.

Griffith’s Transformation Experiment

A 1928 experiment demonstrating the transfer of virulence between dead and living bacteria.

Recombinant DNA technology

A method for combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations.

Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Linear structures composed of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, containing genetic information.

Prokaryotic Chromosomes

Single, circular DNA structure without a nuclear envelope found in prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria.

DNA double helix

The structure formed by two strands of DNA wound around each other, critical for its function in heredity.

Base pairing

The specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases of DNA: adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine.

Gene expression

The process through which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the synthesis of proteins.

Genetic databases

Online collections of genetic information, such as the NCBI, containing tools to search and analyze genetic data.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, making it easier to study specific genes.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects bacteria, used in genetic research and biotechnology.