DNA, Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Protein Synthesis, Biotechnology, Meiosis, Genetics, Evolution, Diversity of Life

Flashcards for vocabulary review

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base.

Replication

The process of copying DNA, involving initiation, elongation, and termination.

DNA polymerase

Enzyme that adds nucleotides to a growing DNA strand during replication.

DNA vs. RNA

DNA contains A, T, G, C nucleotides, is double-stranded, and uses deoxyribose sugar. RNA contains A, U, G, C nucleotides, is single-stranded, and uses ribose sugar.

Cell Reproduction: Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Cells reproduce when the surface area to volume ratio gets too small, limiting transport efficiency.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle between cell divisions, consisting of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis/meiosis) phases.

Mitosis

Cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell Cycle Regulators (Cyclins)

Proteins that ensure the cell cycle is proceeding correctly and prevent mistakes that could lead to cancer.

Protein Synthesis

The process of creating proteins from DNA instructions via RNA intermediates, involving transcription and translation.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template at the ribosome.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation where a base is inserted or deleted, shifting the reading frame and affecting all subsequent amino acids.

Gel Electrophoresis

A method for separating DNA fragments by size, used in DNA fingerprinting.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that contains genetic material from different sources, used in creating transgenic organisms.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving one parent and producing genetically identical offspring (e.g., mitosis).

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents and producing genetically diverse offspring (e.g., meiosis).

Meiosis

Cell division that results in four haploid daughter cells with genetic variation.

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Independent Assortment

The random segregation of chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

Haploid

Having one set of chromosomes (n), as in gametes.

Diploid

Having two sets of chromosomes (2n), as in somatic cells/zygotes.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

Codominance

A form of inheritance in which both alleles are equally expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A form of inheritance in which the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.

Sex-linked Trait

A trait associated with a gene that is carried only by the male or female parent.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.

Autosomal

A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

Artificial Selection

The selective breeding of plants and animals by humans to produce desirable traits.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary changes over long periods of time, evidenced by the fossil record.

Microevolution

Small-scale evolutionary changes within a population over a short period of time.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, especially significant in small populations.

Speciation

The process by which new species arise.

Geographic isolation

The population is separated and cannot interbreed.

Antibiotic

A medication used to treat bacterial infections.

Viruses

Infectious agents made of protein and DNA that can be considered alive because they can reproduce, respond to stimulus, made of cells, and use energy.