Introduction to Genetics

A sequence of three nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine) in DNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can alter the amino acid sequence of a protein.

A type of protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

A genetic disease caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin, leading to misshapen red blood cells.

The process by which a sequence of DNA is used to create a protein.

The process of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

The process of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

The number of chromosomes in a cell or organism.

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes.

Pairs of chromosomes that carry genes for the same traits and have the same structure.

A visual representation of the complete set of chromosomes in a cell.

The theory that states that genes are located on chromosomes and that the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis explains the patterns of inheritance.

A technique used to produce multiple copies of a specific DNA molecule, like a gene.

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, like molecular scissors.

An enzyme that joins two pieces of DNA together, acting like a molecular glue.

A DNA molecule that can carry a foreign DNA fragment into a host cell, like a DNA delivery vehicle.

The process of combining DNA from different sources to create a new, recombinant DNA molecule.

The era marked by the advent of recombinant DNA technology, allowing for the manipulation and cloning of genes.

A technique used to isolate and amplify specific DNA fragments from a larger DNA sample.

The use of recombinant DNA technology to produce new products or modify existing ones.

A field of biology that focuses on studying the complete set of genes and their interactions within an organism.

A field of biology that focuses on studying the complete set of proteins and their interactions within a cell or organism.

A field of biology that uses computational tools to analyze large datasets, particularly in genetics and genomics.

Genetically modified organisms. These are organisms that have been altered through genetic engineering techniques.

A technology involving the use of living organisms or their components to create products useful to humans.

The process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism to enhance desirable traits, like disease resistance or increased yield.

The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an existing organism.

The study of the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.

The study of model organisms, like mice, helps us understand human genetics and diseases.

Model organisms help researchers understand human diseases and pave the way for treatments.

Model organisms should be ethically sound, meaning their use does not raise ethical concerns.

Model organisms often share genetic similarities with humans, making them valuable for studying human biology.

The process of selecting and breeding organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those enhanced traits.

His theory stated that traits were carried by body fluids and that these fluids interacted to influence the offspring's characteristics.

He believed that male semen contained a 'heat' element that shaped the baby's form inside the mother.

This theory states that all living things are composed of basic units called cells. It revolutionized biology.

Mendel studied pea plants to understand how traits are passed down. He discovered dominant and recessive traits.

Tiny structures within cells that carry genes, the units of heredity responsible for determining traits.

A long molecule that contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Found in the nucleus of cells.

A process where DNA is copied into RNA, and RNA is then used to create proteins. These proteins ultimately determine traits.