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2.2
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| alleles | An allele is a different version of the same gene that helps determine a trait, like eye color or blood type. |
| autosomes | Autosomes are the chromosomes that carry most of your genes and are not involved in determining your sex. |
| centromere | A centromere is the part of a chromosome that holds the two sister chromatids together and helps them separate during cell division. |
| chromatid | A chromatid is one of the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome that are joined together at the centromere. |
| chromosome | A chromosome is a tightly packed structure made of DNA that carries genes and instructions for how the body grows and works. |
| deletion mutation | A deletion mutation is a change in DNA where a piece of a chromosome or gene is missing. |
| DNA | DNA is the molecule that carries genetic instructions that tell cells how to grow, develop, and function. |
| DNA primer | A DNA primer is a short piece of DNA that starts the process of copying DNA by giving enzymes a place to begin. |
| dominant allele | A dominant allele is a version of a gene that shows its trait even if only one copy is present. |
| eukaryotic | Eukaryotic describes cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. |
| familial hypercholesterolemia | Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart problems. |
| frameshift mutation | A frameshift mutation is a change in DNA where a letter (base) is added or deleted, shifting how the genetic code is read and usually changing the protein made. |
| gene | A gene is a section of DNA that gives instructions for making a specific trait or protein in your body. |
| genome | A genome is all of the DNA in an organism, including all of its genes. |
| genotype | A genotype is the combination of alleles a person has for a specific gene. |
| gel electrophoresis | Gel electrophoresis is a lab method that separates DNA, RNA, or proteins by size using an electric current. |
| heterozygous | Heterozygous means having two different alleles for the same gene. |
| homozygous | Homozygous means having two identical alleles for the same gene. |
| homologous chromosomes | Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same size, shape, and genes, with one coming from each parent. |
| insertion mutation | An insertion mutation is a change in DNA where extra DNA bases are added, which can affect how a protein is made. |
| karyotype | A karyotype is a picture of all the chromosomes in a cell, arranged by size and type. |
| messenger RNA (mRNA) | Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries instructions from DNA to make proteins. |
| mitosis | Mitosis is the process where a cell divides to make two identical cells with the same number of chromosomes. |
| mutation | A mutation is a change in DNA that can affect how a gene works or how a trait develops. |
| nondisjunction | Nondisjunction is when chromosomes don’t separate properly during cell division, which can lead to extra or missing chromosomes. |
| nucleotides | Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, made of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base. |
| pedigree | A pedigree is a family tree that shows how a trait or disease is passed down through generations. |
| point mutation | A point mutation is a change in a single DNA base that can affect a gene. |
| polymerase chain reaction | A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a lab method that makes many copies of a specific DNA segment. |
| protein | A protein is a molecule made of amino acids that helps your body build tissues, carry out chemical reactions, and do many important jobs. |
| protein synthesis | Protein synthesis is the process where cells make proteins using instructions from DNA. |
| punnett square | A Punnett square is a chart that shows all the possible genetic combinations from two parents. |
| recessive allele | A recessive allele is a version of a gene that only shows its trait if both copies are the same. |
| restriction enzyme | A restriction enzyme is a protein that cuts DNA at specific sequences. |
| ribonucleic acid (RNA) | Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that helps carry instructions from DNA and makes proteins in cells. |
| sex chromosomes | Sex chromosomes are the chromosomes that determine whether a person is male or female. |
| silent mutation | A silent mutation is a change in DNA that does not change the protein made. |