Genetics Overview

mRNA = Carries copies of instructions for assembling amino acids into proteins from DNA to the rest of the cell rRNA = Combines with proteins to form ribosomes tRNA = Carries each amino acid to a ribosome during protein synthesis RNA polymerase = Links together the growing chain of RNA nucleotides during transcription

Promoter = Specific region of a gene where RNA polymerase binds to begin transcription Intron = Sequence of DNA that is not involved in coding for a protein Exon = Expressed sequence of DNA that codes for a protein Transcription = Synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template

Translation = Process by which the sequence of bases of a mRNA is converted into the sequence of amino acids of a protein Gene expression = Process by which a gene produces its product and the product carries out its function Mutation = Change in the genetic material of a cell RNA interference = Introduction of double stranded RNA into a cell to inhibit gene expression

<p>Point mutation = Gene mutation in which a single base pair in DNA has been changed Frameshift mutation = Mutation that shifts the 'reading frame' of the genetic message by inserting or deleting a nucleotide Mutagen = Chemical or physical agents in the environment that interact with DNA and may cause a mutation Polyploidy = Condition in which an organism has extra sets of chromosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genome = Entire set of genetic information that an organism carries in its DNA Karyotype = Micrograph of the complete diploid set of chromosomes grouped together in pairs Sex chromosome = One of two chromosomes that determines an individual's sex Autosome = Chromosome that is not a sex chromosome</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Codon = Group of three nucleotide bases in mRNA that specify a particular amino acid Anticodon = Group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to a codon of mRNA Genetic code = Collection of codons of mRNA directing the incorporation of amino acids into proteins Polypeptide = Long chain of amino acids that makes proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gene expression = Process by which a gene produces its product Transcription = Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template Translation = Conversion of mRNA sequence to amino acids in a protein Codons = Sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA that code for amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gamete = Sex cell Trait = Specific characteristics of an individual Gene = Sequence of DNA that codes for a protein Hybrid = Offspring of crosses between parents with different traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phenotype = Physical characteristics of an organism Genotype = Genetic makeup of an organism Homozygous = Having two identical alleles for a particular gene Heterozygous = Having two different alleles for a particular gene</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fertilization = Process in sexual reproduction where male and female cells join Meiosis = Process that cuts chromosome number in half Crossing over = Exchange of chromatids during meiosis Transformation = Change of one bacterial strain by genes from another strain</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Principle of dominance = Some alleles are dominant and others are recessive Independent assortment = Genes for different traits segregate independently Segregation = Separation of alleles during gamete formation Codominance = Phenotypes produced by both alleles are completely expressed</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tetrad = Structure containing four chromatids during meiosis Diploid = Cell containing two sets of homologous chromosomes Zygote = Fertilized egg Bacteriophage = Virus that infects bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Base pairing = Principle that bonds in DNA can form only between specific bases DNA polymerase = Principal enzyme involved in DNA replication Replication = Process of copying DNA prior to cell division Telomere = Repetitive DNA at the end of a eukaryotic chromosome</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Multiple alleles = A gene with more than two alleles Polygenic trait = Trait controlled by two or more genes Incomplete dominance = One allele not completely dominant over another Homologous chromosomes = One set from male and one from female parent</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Messenger RNA = Type of RNA responsible for carrying instructions Ribonucleic acid = Single-stranded nucleic acid containing ribose Transfer RNA = Type of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes Ribosomal RNA = Component of ribosomes essential for protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It determines the probability of genotype combinations from a genetic cross.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Homozygous</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genes for different traits can segregate independently during gamete formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Homologous chromosomes exchange segments of their chromatids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A trait controlled by multiple genes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The specific traits expressed physically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One allele completely masks the effect of another allele.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Replication</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To carry each amino acid to a ribosome</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A mutation that shifts the reading frame by inserting or deleting nucleotides</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Promoter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To make up the structural and functional components of ribosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A sequence that is expressed and codes for a protein</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It consists of a series of codons that guide amino acid incorporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Point mutation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To match with codons in mRNA during translation</p> Signup and view all the answers