Bio (Terminologies)

Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Amino Acid

Building block of proteins determined by codon sequence.

Autosomes

The remaining 22 pairs of chromosomes that determine most traits.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus.

Chromosomes

Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), with one pair determining the sex of the offspring.

Cloning

Producing genetically identical animals.

Codominance

Both alleles are fully expressed.

Dihybrid Cross Punnett Square

Ratio is always 9:3:3:1.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a molecule shaped like a double helix that stores genetic information.

Dominant allele

An allele that expresses the trait even if only one copy is presented (usually uppercase).

Example of Codominance

Blood type AB: both A and B alleles are equally expressed.

Example of Codominance in Animals

Black chicken (BB) + white chicken (WW) = black and white chicken.

Example of Incomplete Dominance

Red flower (RR) + white flower (WW) = pink flower (RW).

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half the number of chromosomes (23).

Gene

Unit of heredity made of DNA that carries instructions for producing proteins.

Genes

Includes both visible and hidden genes.

Genetic engineering

A process where scientists alter the DNA of an organism to achieve desired traits.

Genetic Engineering

Is the direct manipulation of an organism's DNA.

Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs)

In the 21st century, a significant number of food we eat are produced by GMOs.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology.

Genetically Modified Plants

Example: Golden rice with vitamin A to prevent blindness.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material in an organism.

Genotype

Combination of alleles found in the homologous chromosomes.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Gregor Mendel

An Austrian monk known as the 'father of genetics' who experimented with pea plants.

Herbicide Resistance

Tolerate weed-killing chemical without harming crops.

Heterozygous

One dominant and one recessive allele (Aa).

Homologous Chromosomes

The 23 pairs refer to a pair of paternal and maternal chromosomes that are the same size.

Homozygous Dominant

Two dominant alleles (AA).

Homozygous Recessive

Two recessive alleles (aa).

Incomplete Dominance

Neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a blended phenotype.

Inheritance

The process by which traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Law of Independent Assortment

Genes for different traits are inherited independently from one another if they are on different chromosomes.

Law of segregation

The principle that describes how alleles segregate from one another during gamete formation.

Multiple Alleles

A gene with more than two allele options.

Mutations

A change in the DNA sequence that can result in new traits or genetic disorder.

Nucleic Acid

The molecule of life, carries the instructions for assembling a wide variety of proteins.

Pedigree Chart/Analysis

A diagram that shows how traits are passed through generations in a family.

Pest Resistance

Contains a gene from bacteria to kill pests.

Pharmacogenomics

Many of the drugs to cure diseases and some chemicals are produced by GMOs.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from the genotype and environment.

Phenotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Polygenic Inheritance

Multiple genes contribute to a single trait, resulting in a range or spectrum of phenotypes.

Recessive allele

An allele that only shows the trait when two copies are present (usually lowercase).

Recombinant DNA

Technology involves combining DNA from two different species.

Replication

Copying DNA before cell division.

Sex Linked Traits

Traits located on the sex chromosomes, usually the X chromosome.

Synthia

(2010) the first synthetic microbe.

Traits

Characteristics that can be physical (eye color, hair type), behavioral, or physiological.

Transcription

DNA is transcribed into mRNA.

Transgenic Animals

Contain genes from other species.

Translation

mRNA is translated into proteins using codons.