Term | Definition |
genome | The complete genetic material contained in an individual |
gene expression | the activation of a gene that results in transcription and the production of mRNA |
structural genes | DNA segment of genes that code for polypeptides |
promoter | DNA segment that is recognized by RNA polymerase to initiate transcription |
operator | DNA segment that controls the access of RNA polymerase to move along the structural genes |
operon | series of genes that controls the products and the regulatory enzymes of the genes |
repressor | protein that inhibits genes from being expressed when attached to the operator |
inducer | a molecule that binds to the repressor, releasing it from the operator and allowing transcription to begin |
lac operon | operon where lactose is used as the inducer |
euchromatin | uncoiled sections of DNA that allows transcription |
introns | are transcribed but not translated, get cut out |
exons | are used for coding-- both transcribed and translated |
pre-mRNA | form of mRNA that has both introns and exons |
snurp | cut out introns to make mRNA |
homeobox | DNA sequence that codes for proteins to regulate patterns of development |
regulator | regulate cell growth and division |
proto-oncogenes | regulate cell growth, division, and adherence of cells to others |
tumor-suppressors | keep cell division from occurring too often |
carcinogen | substance that can cause cancer |
mutagen | causes mutations in cells |
carcinomas | tumors in the skin and body organs |
sarcomas | tumors in bone and muscle |
lymphomas | tumors in the lymphatic system |
leukemia | tumors in blood-forming tissues |