Life Science
“The Molecular Basis of Heredity”
Amino Acid
Any of the organic acids that are the chief
component
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of proteins,
to revealeither
the definition!
manufactured
by cells or ingested by the organism.
Anticodon
A three-based sequence on tRNA that binds to
a complementary
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three-base
the definition!
sequence on
mRNA.
Autosomal Chromosome
Any
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here
theto
non-sex
reveal chromosomes.
the definition!
Chromatin
Numerous strands of DNA, coiled and
bunched
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together;
here to reveal
the individual
the definition!
strands that
make up chromosomes.
Chromosome
Any of the tubelike bodies within the nucleus
containing DNA and protein; chromosomes carry the
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here
to
reveal
the
definition!
genetic code for an organism’s inherited
characteristics.
Codon
A three-based sequence on mRNA that tRNA
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uses to provide the correct amino acid.
Daughter Cell
A cell produced from a parent cell by mitosis
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or meiosis.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
A double-stranded nucleic acid molecule that
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contains the genetic code.
Diploid
A cell
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that
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hasto
two
reveal
sets of
thechromosomes.
definition!
DNA Polymerase
An enzyme the moves along a stand of DNA
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and repairs or replicates the DNA.
Dominant Allele
The form of a trait that is always expressed
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when at least one allele for it is present.
Fertilization
The process of union of two gametes, in which
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the diploid chromosome number is restored.
First Filial (F1)Generation
The first hybrid offspring in a genetic cross
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fertilization.
Gamete
A sex cell containing only half the usual number of
chromosomes; in sexual reproduction, the genetic material
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reveal
the definition!
from theClick
male gamete
(sperm)
combines
with genetic material
from the female gamete (egg) to create new offspring.
Gene
A DNA sequence that codes for a particular
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protein and, therefore, a specific trait.
Gene Expression
The appearance of a particular trait in an
organism
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through
to reveal
the the
process
definition!
of DNA
transcription and protein synthesis.
Genotype
The combination of dominant and recessive
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genes (alleles) in an organism’s cells.
Germ Cell
A cell that undergoes meiosis to produce
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gametes.
Haploid
A cell, such as a gamete, that has only one set
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of chromosomes.
Helicase
A class of enzyme that separates strands of
nucleic
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acid
here
at the
to reveal
start of
the
DNA
definition!
replication
and RNA transcription.
Homologous
SimilarClick
or matched
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reveal
appearance
the definition!
or structure.
Meiosis
A process that divides a cell’s nucleus, resulting
in sex
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cells
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(gametes)
to revealthat
the have
definition!
half the
chromosomes of a regular cell.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
A type of RNA that transcribes a gene and
then carries
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that to
information
reveal theto
definition!
the ribosomes
for protein synthesis.
Mitosis
The process within cell division by which the original nucleus
gives rise to two identical daughter nuclei, each with the same
here to reveal
the definition!
numberClick
of chromosomes
as the original
nucleus; this type of
division is required for cell growth and repair.
Nucleotide
The basic unit of nucleic acid; made of sugar, a
phosphate
a nitrogenous
base; a ringlike
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here and
to reveal
the definition!
structure of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Parent Cell
A cell that gives rise to daughter cells through
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mitosis and meiosis.
Parent (P) Generation
The homozygous parents in a genetic crossfertilization;
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their
to offspring
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definition!
called the F1
generation.
Pedigree
A chart showing heritable traits in parents and
offspring;
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may
to contain
reveal the
information
definition!of
individuals’ phenotypes or genotypes.
Phenotype
A physical trait of an organism that results
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from its genetic makeup.
Punnett Square
A grid used to show the possible gene
combinations
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reveal
thethe
crossing
definition!
of two
genotypes.
Recessive Allele
A trait that is expressed only when a dominant
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allele is not present.
Replication
A process in which a cell makes a copy of its
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DNA before dividing.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Any of the nucleic acids containing ribose and
replacing
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thymine
to reveal
and uracil
the definition!
that assist in
protein manufacture and cellular control.
RNA Polymerase
An enzyme that reads DNA during
transcription
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and
to combines
reveal thecomplementary
definition!
bases into an mRNA strand.
Second Filial (F2) Generation
Offspring the result from interbreeding a
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hybrid F1 generation.
Sex Chromosome
A chromosome that determines sex; in human,
a female
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hashere
twotoXreveal
chromosomes
the definition!
and a male
has one X and one Y chromosome.
Somatic Cell
Any of the cells that make up the body tissues
and contains
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a complete
to reveal the
set of
definition!
a organism’s
chromosome pairs; all cells except gametes.
Transcription
The first stage of gene expression during which
mRNA Click
is made;
theto
process
when a DNA
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revealthat
theoccurs
definition!
sequence is encoded as an mRNA sequence.
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
An RNA molecule that follows the codes of
theClick
mRNA
here
to to
assemble
reveal the
amino
definition!
acids into
proteins.
Translation
The second stage of gene expression during
which
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twohere
kinds
to of
reveal
RNAthe
work
definition!
together to
assemble amino acids into proteins.
Zygote
A cell Click
produced
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to reveal
the union
the of
definition!
two gametes.