Molecular Genetics Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the topic of molecular genetics, essential for understanding DNA structure, function, and genetic engineering.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information.

Nucleotide

The basic unit of DNA, composed of a deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two anti-parallel polynucleotide strands twisted around each other.

Complementary Base Pairing

The rule that dictates that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine in DNA.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or polypeptide, functioning as a unit of inheritance.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA.

Translation

The process of converting the sequence of bases in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein.

Polynucleotide

Long chains formed by the joining of nucleotides.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the organism acquiring them through reproduction.

Vector

A vehicle used to transfer genetic material into another cell, such as a plasmid.

Recombinant Plasmid

A plasmid that contains DNA from another organism that has been inserted.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, which can be produced using genetic engineering in bacteria.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Gene Therapy

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases, often by inserting a healthy copy of a gene into cells.

Herbicide Resistance

The ability of a crop to survive herbicides that are meant to kill weeds.

Ethical Considerations

Moral implications surrounding genetic engineering, including welfare of animals and access to technology.

Sugar-phosphate Backbone

The structural framework of DNA and RNA, composed of sugar and phosphate groups, connecting the nucleotides.

Codons

Triplet codes of nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or mRNA) is translated into proteins.

Bt Gene

A gene derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, used to genetically modify plants for pest resistance.

Covalent Bond

A strong bond formed between two atoms when they share electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond that forms between the hydrogen atom of one molecule and an electronegative atom from another molecule.