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DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for life.
Gene
A segment of DNA that contains coding for a protein or functional RNA.
Transformation
The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material through the cell membrane.
Bacteriophage
A virus that infects bacteria, consisting of DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein coat.
Chargaff's Rules
In any species, the amount of adenine (A) equals thymine (T), and the amount of guanine (G) equals cytosine (C).
DNA Replication
The process by which a cell replicates its DNA before cell division, resulting in two identical strands.
Semiconservative model
The method of DNA replication in which one parent strand is retained in each daughter molecule.
Okazaki fragments
Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.
Transcription
The process in which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA.
Translation
The process in which ribosomes create proteins by synthesizing polypeptides based on the sequence of codons in mRNA.
Operon
A functional unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter.
Inducible operon
An operon that is usually off but can be turned on by an inducer molecule.
Repressible operon
An operon that is usually on but can be turned off by a repressor.
Gene flow
The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.
Genetic drift
Random changes in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events.
Natural selection
The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Microevolution
Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species or population.
Macroevolution
Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over geologic time, leading to the emergence of new species.
Phylogeny
The evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of species.
CRISPR
A technology that allows for precise editing of DNA sequences for genetic engineering.
Mutagen
An agent such as radiation or a chemical substance that causes genetic mutation.
