unit5 bio rd

Central Dogma

The process of transferring genetic information from DNA to RNA to Protein, represented as DNA → RNA → Protein.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often a protein.

Transcription

The process of making RNA from a DNA template in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of using mRNA instructions to synthesize proteins at ribosomes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; a double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic blueprint.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; a single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; forms a core part of ribosomes and aids in protein synthesis.

Substitution Mutation

A mutation where one nucleotide in the DNA sequence is replaced by another.

Insertion Mutation

A mutation where one or more nucleotides are added to a DNA sequence.

Deletion Mutation

A mutation where one or more nucleotides are removed from a DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation that alters the reading frame of the genetic sequence, due to insertions or deletions that are not multiples of three.

Silent Mutation

A mutation that changes the DNA sequence but does not alter the amino acid produced.

Missense Mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that converts a codon into a stop codon, terminating protein synthesis prematurely.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division, potentially leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Karyotype

An organized profile of an individual's chromosomes, typically used to identify structural abnormalities or chromosomal imbalances.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that encodes an amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three complementary nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with a codon on mRNA.

Mutagen

An environmental factor that causes mutations in DNA.

Replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.