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Chapter 11 Voc
DNA and Genes
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| DNA Replication | Process in which chromosomal DNA is copied before mitosis or meiosis |
| Double Helix | Shape of a DNA molecule formed when two twisted DNA strands are coiled into a springlike structure and held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases. |
| Nitrogenous Base | Carbon ring structure found in DNA or RNA that contains one or more atoms of nitrogen;includes adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. |
| Codon | Set of three nitrogenous bases that represents an amino acid; order of nitrogenous bases in mRNA determines the type and order of amino acids in a protein. |
| Messenger RNA (mRNA) | RNA that transports information from DNA in the nucleus to the cell's cytoplasm. |
| Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) | RNA that makes up the ribosomes; clamps onto mRNA and uses its information to assemble amino acids in the correct order. |
| Transcription | Process in the cell nucleus where enzymes make an RNA copy of a DNA strand. |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) | RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosomes to be assembled into proteins. |
| Translation | Process of converting information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids in a protein. |
| Chromosomal Mutations | Mutations that occurs at the chromosome level resulting in changes in the gene distribution to gametes during meiosis; caused when parts of the chromosomes break off or rejoin incorrectly. |
| Frameshift Mutation | mutation that occurs when a single base is added or deleted from DNA; causes a shift in the reading of codons by one base. |
| Mutagen | Any agent that can cause a change in DNA; includes high-energy radiation, chemicals, or high temperatures. |
| Mutation | any change or random error in a DNA sequence. |
| Point Mutation | Mutation in a DNA sequence; occurs from a change in a single base pair. |