The Structural Basis of Cellular Information

A collection of vocabulary terms related to the structural basis of cellular information, including key components of DNA and genetics.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material that carries information for growth, development, and reproduction.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA; made of chromatin and visible during cell division.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains chromosomes and functions in transcription and replication.

Gene

A unit of heredity that encodes a specific protein or RNA.

Proteins

Molecules made up of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions in the body.

Genetic Transformation

The process by which genetic material is taken up by a cell and integrated into its genome.

Antiparallel

The orientation of the two strands of DNA where one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of chromatin consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Supercoiling

The over-twisting or under-twisting of DNA, which affects DNA's stability and the accessibility of its information.

Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH)

A technique used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.

Nuclear Localization Signals (NLS)

Short sequences of amino acids that govern the transport of proteins into the nucleus.

Nuclear Export Signals (NES)

Sequences that enable proteins bound to RNA to be transported out of the nucleus.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate the energy necessary for the cell's survival and other functions and have their own DNA.

Telomeres

Repeated DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect against degradation.

Centromeres

The part of a chromosome that links sister chromatids and is essential for proper chromosome alignment during cell division.

Topoisomerases

Enzymes that alter the supercoiling of DNA by introducing or removing twists in the DNA.

Transposable elements (transposons)

DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome, affecting the genome's function and structure.

LINEs

Long interspersed nuclear elements, a type of transposable element in the human genome.

SINEs

Short interspersed nuclear elements, shorter transposons in the human genome, such as Alu sequences.

Heterochromatin

Tightly packed form of DNA that is transcriptionally inactive and often found in the regions of chromosomes.

Euchromatin

Less condensed form of chromatin that is accessible for transcription.