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C- 5
DNA & Modern Genetics - Vocabulary List
Section 5.1
1.
DNA – (pg 74) = Code. The genetic material found in all living cells that
contains the information needed for an organism to grow, maintain itself, and
reproduce. Deoxyribonucleic acid A = T C = G
2.
protein – (pg 43) one of many types of molecules made up of chains of amino
acid subunits. Proteins control the chemical activity of a cell and support growth
and repair. o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o enzymes made of proteins.
3.
amino acids – (pg 43) subunits that make up proteins. Looks like a string of
pearls.
4.
nucleotides – (pg 44) subunits of nucleic acid. Makes up DNA and RNA.
Looks like a house (sugar) with 1 or 2 car garage (nitrogen containing bases)
and a lollypop fireplace (phosphate group).
5.
replication – (pg 137) the process by which DNA is copied before it
condenses into chromosomes. It happens during interphase in the nucleus.
6.
template – (pg 138) A mold. Hand in plaster. Stand of DNA used as a template
to reproduce a copy of the other strand.
7.
RNA (3 types) - (pg 138) include functions – A molecule that carries genetic
information from DNA (the code) to a ribosome, where the genetic information
is used to form a protein.
*mRNA (the codon) gets the code from DNA and carries it to a ribosome.
Can travel from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. mRNA contains the codon
and is complementary to the one side of the DNA molecule.
*rRNA or ribosomal RNA makes up ribosomes, the site of protein
synthesis.
*tRNA or transfer RNA (the anitcodon) is complementary to mRNA (the
codon) and brings amino acids to the site on the ribosome for protein
synthesis.
8.
transcription – (pg 138) the process of transferring information from DNA
(the code) to mRNA (the codon). This process happens in the nucleus.
9.
translation – (pg 139) mRNA codon to tRNA anticodon. Forms a protein in
the cytoplasm on a ribosome.
10. base – (pg 136) part of a nucleotide. DNA contains 4 types: A = T and C= G.
RNA contains 4 types A= U and C = G.
11. triplet – (pg 137) the genetic code is a triplet code, a sequence of 3 nucleotide
bases that code for one amino acid. T-C-T codes for the amino acid arginine.
12. complimentary – (pg 138) matching
A and G are purines = double ringed bases (a 2 car garage)
C and T are pyrimdines = single ringed base (a 1 car garage)
Section 5.2
13. mutation – (pg 145) any change made to DNA.
14. genetic disorder – (pg 146) disease or condition that results from mutations
that affect the normal function of a cell.
15. cancer – (pg 158) a group of disorders characterized by the uncontrolled
division of cells. Known as “selfish cells” that divide indefinitely and are
considered immortal.
16. pedigree – (pg 147) a chart that shows family relationships including 2 or
more generations.
17. carcinogen (pg 148) cancer causing harmful chemicals. Nicotine and
ultraviolet light.
Section 5.3
18. selective breeding – the process of selecting and breeding parent organisms
to pass on particular traits of offspring. (dogs)
19. genetic engineering – (pg 151) the scientific process in which DNA is
separated from an organism, changed, and then re-inserted into the same or
different organism.
20. genetic modified (GM or transgenetic) – using technology, scientists can
take a gene from one species and transfer it into the DNA of an organism from
another species.
21. DNA fingerprint – (pg 153) a DNA profile of about 10 regions to specify
whom a sample belongs to (unless there is an identical twin).
22. human genome project – sequencing the 3 billion nucleotide pairs in a
single set of human chromosomes. Huge project. MIT and private sector
scientific corporations involved.
23. genome – (pg 154) all of the DNA of an organism including its genes. The
genetic material of an organism.
24. cloning - (pg 154) the process of using DNA technology to create an offspring
that is genetically identical to its parent.
25. Dolly – first mammal cloned (a sheep). Read all about Dolly in section 5.3.