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Molecular Genetics
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| DNA Replication | Process in which chromosomal DNA is copied before mitosis or meiosis. |
| Double Helix | Shape of DNA molecule formed when two twisted DNA strands are coiled into a springlike structure and held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases. |
| Nitrogen Base | Carbon ring structure found in the DNA and 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. |
| mRNA | RNA that transports information from DNA in the nucleus to the cells cytoplasm. |
| 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 and RNA copy of a DNA strand. |
| 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 Mutation | Mutation that occurs at the chromosome level resulting in changes in the gene distribution to gametes during meiosis; caused when parts of the chromosome start to 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 DNA sequence. |
| Point Mutation | Mutation in DNA sequence; occurs from a change in a single base pair. |
| Clone | Genetically identical copies of an organism or gene. |
| Gene Splicing | In recombination DNA technology, the rejoining of DNA fragments by vectors and other enzymes. |
| Genetic Engineering | Method of cutting DNA from one organism and inserting the DNA fragment into a host organism from the same or different organism. |
| Frameshift Mutation | Mutation that occurs when a single |