Life Sciences Grade 10 – Term 4 Exam Scope (Paper 1)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Life Sciences Grade 10 Term 4 Exam Scope (Paper 1), including DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, meiosis, and vertebrate reproduction.

Nucleotide

The structural building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of three main components: a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

Semi-conservative replication

The process by which DNA copies itself, conserving one original strand in each of the new double-stranded DNA molecules.

Transcription

The first stage of protein synthesis that takes place inside the nucleus, involving DNA and mRNA.

Translation

The stage of protein synthesis that takes place in the cytoplasm at the ribosomes, involving mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes.

Genetic code

The system of nucleotide sequences organized into triplets, codons, and anticodons that directs the synthesis of proteins.

Mutation

A change in the genetic material (DNA) that can produce various effects on an organism.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division divided into meiosis I and meiosis II that functions in gamete formation and generates genetic variation.

Crossing over

A process occurring during meiosis that facilitates genetic variation in gametes.

Independent assortment

A meiotic process that contributes to genetic variation by independently distributing chromosomes into gametes.

Nondisjunction

An error during meiosis involving the failure of chromosomes to separate properly, which can result in chromosomal conditions such as Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome

A condition identified as an example of an error during meiosis resulting from nondisjunction.

Reproduction in Vertebrates

The reproductive processes in vertebrate organisms, divided into two main types: asexual and sexual reproduction.