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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Albinism | A genetic condition caused by a mutation in the melanin producing gene, resulting in little to no pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. |
| Pedigree | A diagram showing family relationships and the inheritance of specific traits. |
| Karyotype | A visual representation of all the chromosomes in a cell, used to identify genetic disorders. |
| Punnett Square | A tool used to predict the genotypic and phenotypic outcomes of genetic crosses. |
| Genotype | The genetic makeup of an individual (e.g., AA, Aa, or aa). |
| Phenotype | The physical expression of a trait (e.g., blue eyes, brown hair). |
| Recessive | A trait that is only expressed when two copies of the recessive allele are present. |
| Dominant | A trait that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present. |
| DNA | The molecule that carries genetic information in cells. |
| Gene | A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein. |
| Chromosome | A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains many genes. |
| Mutation | A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits. |
| Missense Mutation | A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein. |
| Nonsense Mutation | A mutation that results in a premature stop codon, leading to a shortened protein. |
| Frameshift Mutation | A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic code. |
| Transcription | The process of making mRNA from DNA in the nucleus. |
| Translation | The process where ribosomes read mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins. |
| Cell Nucleus | The organelle where DNA is stored and transcription occurs. |
| Codon | A sequence of three mRNA bases that codes for an amino acid. |
| mRNA | Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes. |
| tRNA | Transfer RNA; helps assemble amino acids during translation. |
| Amino Acid | Building blocks of proteins. |
| Protein | A molecule made of amino acids that performs various functions in the body. |
| Protein Shape | Determines a protein's function and ability to interact with other molecules. |
| Protein Function | The role a protein plays in a cell, such as enzyme activity or structural support. |
| Melanin | A pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. |
| Melanosome | An organelle that produces and stores melanin. |
| UV Radiation | Ultraviolet light from the sun that can damage DNA and influence melanin production. |
| Skin Color | Determined by the amount and type of melanin produced. |
| Selective Advantage/Pressure | Environmental factors that influence which traits are beneficial. |
| Natural Selection | The process where individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more successfully. |
| Fitness | An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce. |
| Genetic Variation | Differences in DNA among individuals in a population. |
| Inheritance | The passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring. |
| Differential Survival and Reproduction | Organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more than others. |
| Adaptation | A trait that improves an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction. |