DNA U.2 L.1

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a specific protein.

DNA

A set of instructions for carrying out all cell activities, structured as a double helix.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA that contain genetic information, with 46 total (23 pairs) in human cells.

Genetic Material

The DNA present in every cell of the body, identical across all cells.

Nucleotide

An organic molecule made of phosphate, nitrogenous base, and deoxyribose sugar.

Polymer

A molecule made of repeating units, such as DNA.

Genome

The complete DNA sequence in a cell.

CRISPR

A gene therapy tool that acts as a genetic "pair of scissors" to edit DNA.

Nitrogenous Bases

The four components of DNA (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine) that make up the genetic code.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA consisting of two long chains of nucleotides twisted around each other.

Chromatin

The form of DNA that condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

Watson and Crick

Scientists who discovered the structure of DNA and won the Nobel Prize, with Rosalind Franklin contributing to the findings.

Hydrogen Bonds

The bonds that hold nitrogenous base pairs together in DNA (A-T has 2, C-G has 3).

Protein Synthesis

The process controlled by DNA that determines the proteins made by the cell.

RNA

A nucleic acid that contains ribose, uracil instead of thymine, and is single-stranded, used to read DNA for protein creation.

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA (A with T, G with C).

Sides of DNA

Composed of alternating phosphate and sugar molecules, resembling the sides of a ladder.

Rungs of DNA

Formed by pairs of nitrogenous bases held together by hydrogen bonds.