Genetics, Evolution, and Biotechnology Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering molecular biology (DNA and RNA structure, replication, protein synthesis), genetic mutations, Darwin's evolutionary concepts and adaptations, and modern genetic biotechnology.

Double Helix

The twisted-ladder structure of DNA, which is tightly coiled to form chromosomes.

DNA Nucleotide Composition

The basic unit of DNA consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogen bases: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, or Guanine.

DNA Base Pairing Rule

The pairing rule during DNA replication and structure where Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) always pairs with Guanine (G), preventing mistakes during copying.

Replication

The process where the two sides of the DNA ladder split apart from each other and new nucleotides are added to each side to form two full copies of DNA.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid composed of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and four nitrogen bases: Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, and Guanine.

RNA Base Pairing Rule

The nucleotide pairing rule in RNA where Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

Transcription

The first stage of protein synthesis occurring in the nucleus, in which a complementary mRNA strand is formed using DNA before leaving for the ribosome.

Translation

The second stage of protein synthesis occurring at the ribosome, where mRNA is read and tRNA molecules deliver matching amino acids that link together to form a protein.

Codon

A 3-base sequence on an mRNA strand that the ribosome reads to determine which amino acid to bring.

Anticodon

A 3-base sequence on a tRNA molecule that is attached to an amino acid and matches with a specific codon on mRNA to ensure correct placement.

Deletion Mutation

A type of mutation in which a base pair is deleted from the sequence.

Insertion Mutation

A type of mutation in which an extra base pair is inserted into the sequence.

Substitution Mutation

A type of mutation in which a base pair is swapped out for a different base pair.

Variation

Differences among individuals that occur either through mutations or the blending of traits as organisms reproduce and pass genes to their offspring.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with variations that decrease competition and help them survive longer and reproduce more are more likely to pass their traits on to future generations.

Structural Adaptation

An adaptation involving color, shape, physical characteristics, or physical structure that aids survival, such as rabbits having powerful running legs or snails matching rock colors.

Behavioral Adaptation

An adaptation involving how an organism acts to survive, such as hunting at night or being less active during the hottest parts of the day.

Functional Adaptation

An adaptation involving internal body systems and biochemistry that helps an organism survive, such as a drop in body temperature during hibernation or blood vessels in jackrabbit ears cooling the blood.

Camouflage and Mimicry

Survival adaptations that protect organisms by either blending into their surrounding environment or tricking predators.

Selective Breeding

A practice where humans breed animals or plants with a desired trait to increase the chance of that trait appearing in offspring, though recessive traits may still appear.

Recombinant DNA

Bacterial DNA located floating in the cytoplasm outside the nucleus, into which scientists can insert human genes to produce medicines such as insulin or cancer treatments.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Crops like corn, wheat, and rice altered through genetic engineering to improve characteristics such as shelf life, size, color, or the ability to be picked early and ripen off the vine.

Gene Therapy

A treatment replacing missing or malfunctioning genes by adding new genes into a patient's cells; first tested in 1990 and used by 2017 to treat a form of leukemia.