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chapter 6
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Central dogma of molecule biology | Doctrine that genetic instructions in DNA are copied by RNA, which carries them to a ribosome where they are used to synthesize a protein (DNA → RNA → protein) |
| Chargaff’s rules | Observations by Erwin Chargaff that concentrations of the four nucleotide bases differ among species; and that, within a species, the concentrations of adenine and thymine are always about the same and the concentrations of cytosine and guanine are alwa |
| Messenger RNA (mRNA) | Type of RNA that copies genetic instructions from DNA in the nucleus and carries them to the cytoplasm |
| Ribosomal RNA | Type of RNA that helps form ribosomes and assemble proteins |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) | Type of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes where they are joined together to form proteins |
| Codon | Group of three nitrogen bases in nucleic acids that makes up a code “word” of the genetic code and stands for an amino acid, start, or stop |
| Genetic code | Universal code of three-base codons that encodes the genetic instructions for the amino acid sequence of proteins |
| Promoter | Region of a gene where a RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription of the gene |
| Protein synthesis | Process in which cells make proteins that includes transcription of DNA and translation of mRNA |
| Transcription | Process in which genetic instructions in DNA are copied to form a complementary strand of mRNA |
| Translation | Process in which genetic instructions in mRNA are “read” to synthesize a protein |
| Chromosomal alteration | Mutation that changes chromosome structure |
| Frameshift mutation | Deletion or insertion of one or more nucleotides that changes the reading frame of the genetic material |
| Genetic disorder | Disease caused by a mutation in one or a few genes |
| Germline mutation | Mutation that occur in gametes |
| Mutagen | Environmental factors that causes mutations |
| Mutation | Change in the sequence of bases in DNA or RNA |
| Point mutation | Change in a single nucleotide base in the genetic material |
| Somatic mutation | Mutation that occurs in cells of the body other than gametes |