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Chapter 11 Vocab
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 repersents and amino acid; order of nitrogenous bases in mRNA determines the type and order of amino acids in protein. |
| messenger RNA | RNA that transports information from DNA in the nucleus to the cell's cytoplasm. |
| ribosomal RNA | 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 DNA | 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 mutation | mutation that occurs at the chromosome level resulting in changes in the gene distribitution to gametes during meosis; caused when parts of chromosomes break off and 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. |