Chapters 10 and 11 Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery of DNA, genetic terminology, DNA structure, protein synthesis, and genetic transfer mechanisms based on Chapter 10 and 11 objectives.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

Chromosome

A structure within the cell that contains the genetic material of an organism; defined within the Chromosomal theory of inheritance as the unit of heredity.

Gene

A specific sequence of DNA that encodes for a functional product.

Genetic code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

Genotype

The Genetic makeup of an individual organism.

Phenotype

The observable physical properties or characteristics of an organism.

Dominant allele

The variant of a gene that is expressed even if only one copy is present.

Recessive allele

The variant of a gene that is only expressed when two copies are present.

Punnet square

A tool used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in a genetic cross.

Genomics

The study of entire genomes, including the mapping of genes and their interactions.

Chromosomal theory of inheritance

A fundamental theory of genetics stating that chromosomes are the vehicles of genetic heredity.

Recombination

The process by which pieces of DNA are broken and recombined to produce new combinations of alleles.

Antiparallel

A term describing DNA structure where the two strands run in opposite directions (5' to 3' and 3' to 5').

Complementary

The relationship between nitrogenous bases in DNA where specific pairs (A with T, C with G) always bond together.

DNA expression

The process of using information in a gene to synthesize functional gene products, distinct from recombination and replication.

DNA replication

The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule.

DNA recombination

The exchange of genetic material to create genetic diversity, distinct from expression and replication.

Okazaki fragments

Short sequences of DNA nucleotides which are synthesized discontinuously and later linked together to create the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Transcription

The first step of protein synthesis where a particular segment of DNA is copied into RNA.

RNA processing

The modifications performed on the primary RNA transcript in eukaryotes before it is translated.

Translation

The process in protein synthesis where ribosomes create proteins using the information carried by mRNA.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can be classified by type and repaired by specific cellular mechanisms.

Mutagens

Physical or chemical agents that increase the mutation rate of an organism's genetic material.

Ames test

A biological assay used to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds.

Horizontal gene transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than through vertical transmission (parent to offspring).

Vertical gene transfer

The transmission of genetic information from parent to offspring during reproduction.