DNA VOCABULARY UNIT 6
1. mRNA Type of RNA molecule that is the end product of transcription, leaves the nucleus to deliver the genetic message of DNA to the ribosomes.
2. Nucleotide Monomer of a nucleic acid made up of a 5-carbon sugar (deoxyribose or ribose), phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.
3. tRNA Type of RNA molecule that bonds with amino acids and transfers them to ribosomes for protein synthesis/translation.
4. Translation Process of assembling amino acids into proteins from the information coded in RNA; occurs at the ribosomes.
5. rRNA Type of RNA molecule that composes ribosomes to aid in the process of translation.
6. Transcription First step in producing proteins- making mRNA from DNA so the genetic message can leave the nucleus; occurs in the nucleus.
7. DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid (deoxyribose sugar); polymer of nucleotides that contains all heredity information; located in the nucleus.
8. RNA Ribonucleic acid (ribose and sugar); often carries the message of DNA.
9. Nitrogen Bases Make up the internal structure of DNA and RNA: Guanine, Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine (or Uracil); “stairsteps”
10. Chromatin/Chromosomes The form of DNA coiled and packed in the nucleus (becomes individual chromosomes when it condenses before cell division).
11. Gene Therapy Use of DNA to treat genetic disorders and diseases, by replacing mutated genes with functional genes or genes to produce proteins.
12. Protein Organic compound made of amino acids that is responsible for cell specialization, gene expression, growth, repair and many critical cellular functions.
13. Frameshift Mutation Occurs when a nucleotide is inserted or deleted in the coding region of a gene; also called additions or deletions.
14. Gel Electrophoresis Technique used to create a DNA fingerprint by separating fragments of DNA molecules through an electrically charged field.
15. Codon 3 mRNA nucleotides in sequence to code for 1 amino acid.
16. Transgenic Organism An organism with genes inserted from another organism to achieve a purpose (human insulin-producing bacteria).
17. Amino Acids Molecules that are assembled into proteins at the ribosomes; monomers of proteins.
18. Substitution Mutation Occurs when one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another, often causes adverse affects in development or functioning of an organism (point mutation).
19. DNA Fingerprinting Test used to identify individuals (crime scenes) and catalogue endangered species. .
20. Human Genome Project Complete mapping of the 20,000 genes found in the human genetic code; 13-year project done by sequencing the base pairs of human DNA.