Bio VOCAB 3-1 - 3-5

Genetics: The study of how traits are inherited and vary in organisms.
Chromosome: A structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information; humans have 23 pairs.
Chromatin: The loose, uncoiled form of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.
Replication: The process of copying DNA before cell division, ensuring each new cell gets an identical set of genetic instructions.
Histone: A protein that DNA wraps around, helping to organize and compact it into chromatin.
Gene: A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a protein or determining a trait.
Allele: Different forms of the same gene that can result in variations of a trait.
Base Pairing: The specific matching of DNA bases: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that builds new DNA strands during replication by adding complementary nucleotides.
Spindle: A structure made of microtubules that helps separate chromosomes during cell division.

Mitosis: Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells for growth, repair, or asexual reproduction.
Meiosis: A type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity.
Interphase: The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, performs normal functions, and replicates its DNA.
Prophase: The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
Metaphase: The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align in the center of the cell.
Anaphase: The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell.
Telophase: The stage of mitosis where chromosomes uncoil and nuclear envelopes re-form around each set of chromosomes.
Cytokinesis: The division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.
Diploid: A cell with two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (e.g., body cells).
Haploid: A cell with one set of chromosomes, as seen in gametes like sperm and eggs.

Messenger RNA (mRNA): RNA that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): RNA that helps form the ribosome, where proteins are assembled.
Transcription: The process where DNA is copied into mRNA in the nucleus, providing instructions for protein production.
Translation: The process where ribosomes read mRNA to link amino acids into a protein.
Codon: A three-base sequence in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.
Anticodon: A three-base sequence in tRNA that matches a codon in mRNA.
Intron: A non-coding segment of RNA that is removed during RNA processing.
Exon: A coding segment of RNA that remains after processing and is used to make proteins.
RNA Polymerase: The enzyme that builds RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Genetic Engineering: Manipulating an organism’s DNA using biotechnology to modify traits, like creating disease-resistant crops or producing medicines.
Clone: A genetically identical copy of an organism, cell, or gene.
Recombinant DNA: DNA created by combining genetic material from different organisms.
Transgenic: An organism that contains genes from another species.
Plasmid: A small circular DNA molecule in bacteria, often used in genetic engineering to transfer genes.
Mutation: A change in DNA that can occur randomly or from environmental factors, potentially affecting traits or causing disorders.
Point Mutation: A change in a single nucleotide of the DNA sequence.
Frameshift Mutation: A mutation caused by adding or deleting a nucleotide, shifting the reading frame of the genetic code.
Selective Breeding: The process of breeding organisms with desired traits to enhance those traits in offspring.
Hybridization: Crossing different species or varieties to produce offspring with a combination of traits.

Trait: A specific characteristic of an organism, such as eye color or height.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by its alleles (e.g., AA, Aa).
Phenotype: The observable traits of an organism resulting from its genotype and environment.
Zygote: A fertilized egg cell formed when a sperm and egg unite.
Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
Segregation: The separation of alleles during gamete formation in meiosis.
Independent Assortment: The random distribution of genes into gametes, increasing genetic variation.
Incomplete Dominance: A form of inheritance where neither allele is fully dominant, resulting in a blended trait.
Hybrid: The offspring of two different species or varieties, combining traits from both parents.