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Quarter 3 Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adenine | One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, pairs with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. |
| Allele | Different forms of a gene. |
| amino acid | Building blocks of proteins, encoded by codons in mRNA during protein synthesis. |
| Anaphase | Stage of mitosis or meiosis in which sister chromatids or homologous chromosomes are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. |
| anticodon | Sequence of three nucleotides on a tRNA molecule that complementary base pairs with a codon on mRNA during translation. |
| autosomal | Relating to any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. |
| base | A nitrogenous compound that makes up the building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). |
| cancer | Disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, often forming tumors. |
| carcinogen | Substance capable of causing cancer by altering the genetic material of cells. |
| cell | The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. |
| cell cycle | The series of events that occur in a cell leading to its division and duplication. |
| cell plate | Structure that forms during plant cell cytokinesis and develops into the cell wall between daughter cells. |
| cellular division | The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. |
| centromere | Region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together. |
| centrosome | Organelle involved in organizing microtubules and spindle fibers during cell division. |
| checkpoint | Control point in the cell cycle where regulatory proteins assess whether key processes have been completed correctly before allowing the cell to proceed to the next stage. |
| chromatid | One of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome. |
| chromosome | Thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. |
| cleavage furrow | Indentation that forms in animal cell membranes during cytokinesis, eventually leading to cell separation. |
| codominance | Inheritance pattern in which both alleles of a gene are fully expressed in the phenotype of heterozygous individuals. |
| codon | A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis. |
| codon (chart) | A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid or stops signal during protein synthesis. |
| complete dominance | Inheritance pattern in which one allele is fully expressed, masking the effect of the other allele. |
| crossing over | Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. |
| cytokinesis | Division of the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells following nuclear division. |
| cytoplasm | Gel-like substance within cells, containing organelles and cytosol. |
| cytosine | One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, pairs with guanine in DNA and RNA. |
| daughter cell | The cells produced as a result of cell division. |
| deletion | The loss of a segment of DNA from a chromosome. |
| deoxyribose | A five-carbon sugar molecule found in DNA nucleotides. |
| differential gene expression | The process by which cells become specialized by activating or deactivating specific genes. |
| differentiation | The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions during development. |
| dihybrid cross | Cross between two individuals that differ in two traits. |
| diploid | Having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. |
| distribution | The arrangement or spread of phenotypic traits within a population. |
| DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) | Molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. |
| dominant | Allele that is expressed in the phenotype of heterozygous individuals. |
| double helix | The twisted ladder structure of DNA, formed by two complementary strands of nucleotides. |
| egg cell | Female reproductive cell or ovum. |
| embryo | Early stage of development in multicellular organisms. |
| environmental | Relating to factors outside the genetic material that influence the expression of traits. |
| enzyme | A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms. |
| epigenetic | Changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. |
| F1 (first filial) | The first generation of offspring resulting from a cross between two parental organisms. |
| F2 (second filial) | The second generation of offspring resulting from a cross between F1 individuals. |
| fertilization | Fusion of gametes (sperm and egg cells) to form a zygote. |
| fertilize | The process by which sperm and egg cells fuse to form a zygote. |
| frameshift | Mutation that occurs when the addition or deletion of nucleotides shifts the reading frame of the genetic message. |
| gamete | Haploid reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that fuses with another during fertilization. |
| gap 1 (G1) | Phase of interphase in which cells grow and carry out normal metabolic activities. |
| gap 2 (G2) | Phase of interphase in which cells prepare for mitosis or meiosis by synthesizing proteins and organelles. |
| gene | A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein or RNA molecule. |
| gene expression | The process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product. |
| gene mutation | A change in the sequence of nucleotides in a gene. |
| genetic code | The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins. |
| genetic variation | Diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population or species. |
| genome | The entire set of genetic material in an organism. |
| genotype | The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the combination of alleles for a given trait. |
| genotypic ratio | The ratio of different genotypes produced in offspring from a genetic cross. |
| Golgi apparatus | A membrane-bound organelle involved in protein processing, sorting, and secretion in eukaryotic cells. |
| growth | The increase in size and number of cells or organisms over time. |
| guanine | One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, pairs with cytosine in DNA and RNA. |
| haploid | Having a single set of chromosomes. |
| heredity | The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genetic information. |
| heterozygous | Having two different alleles for a particular gene. |
| homologous chromosome | Pair of chromosomes that have the same genes at the same loci but may carry different alleles. |
| homozygous | Having two identical alleles for a particular gene. |
| hydrogen bond | Weak chemical bond between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen. |
| incomplete dominance | Inheritance pattern in which the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes. |
| independent assortment | Random arrangement of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I of meiosis. |
| inherited | Traits or characteristics passed from parent to offspring through genetic information. |
| insertion | Addition of nucleotides into a DNA sequence. |
| interphase | Phase of the cell cycle between cell divisions, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases. |
| karyotype | The number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism or species. |
| maintenance | The processes within a cell that keep it |
| meiosis | Cell division process that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. |
| meiosis I | First division of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes separate. |
| meiosis II | Second division of meiosis, where sister chromatids separate. |
| metaphase | Stage of mitosis or meiosis in which chromosomes align along the cell equator. |
| mitosis | Process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells that results in two daughter nuclei with the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. |
| monohybrid cross | Cross between two individuals that differ in only one trait. |
| monosomy | Condition in which a diploid organism has only one copy of a particular chromosome. |
| mRNA | Messenger RNA, a type of RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis. |
| multicellular | Organism composed of more than one cell. |
| mutagen | Agent that causes genetic mutation. |
| mutation | Permanent alteration of the nucleotide sequence of a gene or chromosome. |
| nondisjunction | Failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division. |
| nuclear membrane | Double-layered membrane surrounding the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, separating it from the cytoplasm. |
| nucleic acid | Biological macromolecules, including DNA and RNA, that carry genetic information in cells. |
| nucleotide | The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group. |
| nucleus | Membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of eukaryotic cells. |
| offspring | New organisms produced by reproduction. |
| P (parental) | The original parental generation in a genetic cross. |
| parent | Organism that produces offspring. |
| parent cell | The original cell before it undergoes division. |
| pedigree | A diagram showing the genetic relationships among individuals within a family. |
| peptide bond | Chemical bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis. |
| phenotype | The observable traits or characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environmental factors. |
| phenotypic ratio | The ratio of different phenotypes produced in offspring from a genetic cross. |
| phosphate | A chemical group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, present in nucleotides and phospholipids. |
| point mutation | Mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide base in DNA. |
| polygenic inheritance | Inheritance pattern in which a trait is controlled by multiple genes, often resulting in a continuous variation of phenotypes. |
| polypeptide | A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming part of a protein molecule. |
| population | A group of organisms of the same species living in a particular geographic area and capable of interbreeding. |
| probability | The likelihood of a particular event or outcome occurring. |
| prophase | Stage of mitosis or meiosis in which chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. |
| protein | Large biomolecule made up of amino acids, essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. |
| protein synthesis | The process by which cells build proteins based on the genetic information encoded in DNA. |
| Punnett square | A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross. |
| ratio | A comparison of two quantities using division. |
| recessive | Allele that is masked by the presence of a dominant allele and expressed only in the homozygous condition. |
| replication | Process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division. |
| ribose | A five-carbon sugar molecule found in RNA nucleotides. |
| ribosome | Cellular organelle responsible for protein synthesis, composed of RNA and protein molecules. |
| RNA | Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a central role in protein synthesis and other cellular processes. |
| Rough endoplasmic reticulum | A membrane-bound organelle studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and processing in eukaryotic cells. |
| rRNA | Ribosomal RNA, a type of RNA molecule that forms part of the ribosome and helps in protein synthesis. |
| sex linked | Inheritance pattern in which a gene is located on a sex chromosome and exhibits different patterns of inheritance in males and females. |
| sexual reproduction | Reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes from two parents. |
| sister chromatid | One of the two identical copies of a chromosome produced by DNA replication, joined by a centromere. |
| Smooth endoplasmic reticulum | A membrane-bound organelle involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification in eukaryotic cells. |
| somatic cell | Any cell of a living organism other than reproductive cells. |
| sperm cell | Male reproductive cell. |
| spindle fibers | Microtubule structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division. |
| start codon | Codon (AUG) that signals the beginning of protein synthesis and codes for the amino acid methionine. |
| stem cell | Undifferentiated cell with the ability to develop into specialized cell types in the body. |
| stop codon | Codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) that signals the end of protein synthesis and does not code for any amino acid. |
| substitution | Mutation in which one nucleotide base is replaced by another. |
| synthesis phase (S) | Phase of interphase in which DNA is replicated. |
| telophase | Stage of mitosis or meiosis in which chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes form around the separated chromosomes, and cytokinesis occurs. |
| thymine | One of the four nucleotide bases in DNA, pairs with adenine in DNA. |
| trait | A characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by genes. |
| transcription | The process of copying genetic information from DNA into RNA. |
| translation | The process of synthesizing a protein from mRNA at the ribosome. |
| Trisomy | Condition in which a diploid organism has three copies of a particular chromosome. |
| tRNA | Transfer RNA, a type of RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. |
| tumor (benign and malignant) | Abnormal mass of cells resulting from uncontrolled cell division; benign tumors are non-cancerous, while malignant tumors are cancerous. |
| unicellular | Organism composed of a single cell. |
| uracil | One of the four nucleotide bases in RNA, replaces thymine in RNA and pairs with adenine in RNA. |
| Variation | The differences among individuals of the same species, arising from genetic and environmental factors. |
| Vesicle | Small membrane-bound sac that transports substances within cells or between cells. |
| zygote | Cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg during fertilization, the earliest stage of embryonic development. |