Term | Definition |
Trait | A characteristic of an organism. |
Genetics | Pertaining to DNA, the hereditary material. |
Gene | A section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular trait. |
Allele | |
Homozygous | |
Heterozygous | |
Genotype | |
Phenotype | |
Karyotyping | The process by which an individual's chromosomes are examined by looking at enlarged images of them arranged on a grid according to size. |
RNA or Messenger Molecule | An RNA molecule with a specific code for a polypeptide. This code is determined by the sequence of bases of the DNA molecule in the nucleus. |
Restriction Enzyme | |
Gel Electrophoresis | A method used to separate DNA fragments on the basis of their size. |
DNA Fingerprinting | |
Clone | A genetically identical organism. |
Genetic Engineering | The process which transfers genes to another organisms DNA resulting in recombinant DNA. |
Recombinant DNA | The DNA of an organism that has been changed, usually by the addition of a gene. |
Genetic screening | |
Gene Therapy | |
segment | |
sequence | |
amniocentesis | A procedure that removes amniotic fluid containing fetal cells for analysis to determine the presence of genetic defects. |
autosomes | Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes. |
chromosome | A structure found in the cell nucleus that is made of DNA and protein. It contains the hereditary information. |
cloning | The production of genetically identical organisms. |
crossing-over | The equal exchange of genetic material by homologous chromosomes during the synapsis of meiosis. |
deletion | A chromosomal abnormality in which a portion of the chromosome has been lost. |
diploid | The 2n number that is the normal number of chromosomes for a particular species. The human diploid number is 46. |
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) | The nucleic acid that stores the hereditary information or genetic material. It is made of repeating units called nucleotides. |
double helix | The shape of the DNA molecule, the spiral shape formed by the parallel strands. |
gene mutation | Any change in the sequence of bases in DNA. |
heredity | The sum total of genetically inherited characteristics which are passed from parents to offspring. |
homologous chromosomes | A pair of chromosomes of the same size and shape that carry genes for the same trait. |
independent assortment | Different traits that are carried on different chromosomes are inherited independently from one another. |
insertion | A mutation that is caused by the placement of a DNA nucleotide into an existing gene. |
mutagenic agents | Any substance that can change the structure of the DNA, causing a mutation. |
mutation | A change in the genetic material. |
peptide | A small chain of amino acids. |
protein | An organic compound made of amino acids. |
replication | The copying of the exact base sequence of the DNA. |
sex determination | In humans, the male determines the sex. XX is female while XY is male. |
synthesis | A chemical process in which small molecules are joined make large molecules. |
translocation | The transfer of a section of one chromosome to a chromosome with which it is not homologous |
adenine | A nitrogenous base found in both DNA and RNA. It pairs with thymine in DNA, but pairs with uracil when RNA is synthesized. |
cytosine | A nitrogenous base found in both DNA and RNA. It pairs with guanine. |
guanine | A nitrogenous base found in both DNA and RNA. It pairs with cytosine. |
recombination | The formation of new combinations of genes which can be the result of crossing-over during meiosis. |
sex chromosomes | The pair of genes that determines the sex of the individual, with XX being female and XY being mal |
substitution | The replacement of one nitrogenous base for another nitrogenous base. |
technology | The practical application of scientific discoveries.thymine |
thymine | A nitrogenous base found in DNA but not in RNA. It pairs with adenine. |
biotechnology | The use of recombinant DNA and genetic engineering in biological science. |
inherited | Coming from ancestors |
genome | all of an organism's genetic material (DNA) |