Allele
An alternative version of a gene. Versions that produce a protein responsible for appearance (pigment in eyes, hair color)
amino acids
the subunit that makes up a protein
Chromosomes
carries the genes that determine hereditary
Codon
A sequence of three nucleotides in a strand of messenger RNA that codes for a specific amino acid
DNA
the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms that contain the biological instructions to make proteins
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Gene
a section of DNA that occupies a specific place on a particular chromosome. It influences the inheritance and development of some characteristic.
Genetics
The scientific study of heredity
Genome
the entire genetic code, or all genes, of a living organism
Genotype
DNA sequence for a particular gene
Hydrogen bond
A bond between the nitrogenous bases that holds the strands together
Peptide bond
bond that links amino acids together
Phenotype
the physical characteristic of the gene.
Protein
essential molecules of all living organisms - components of muscle, hair, enzymes, antibodies, etc
Protein Synthesis
The process of making a protein
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
An intermediate message that is translated to form a protein
a copied version of a gene; DNA is transcribed into mRNA.
RNA
Copied version of a gene
Ribonucleic Acid
Nucleotide
DNA is made up of subunits known as nucleotides. A nucleotide has 3 parts
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
type of RNA that makes up the major part of ribosomes
decodes the mRNA into amino acids by codons
Transcription
The process of copying DNA into its corresponding messenger RNA. (Occurs in the nucleus)
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
type of RNA molecule that transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis
Translation
the process of decoding messenger RNA into a chain of amino acids to make a protein (takes place in the ribosomes)