DNA
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
nucleotide
a molecule made of a nitrogen base, a sugar, and a phosphate group - building blocks of DNA
chromosome
tightly coiled DNA
proteins
building blocks of cells
amino acids
chemicals that make up proteins
gene
segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein
trait
organism characteristic due to an expressed gene
allele
different form of a gene
mutation
a permanent change in DNA code
replication
the process of copying DNA
transcription
the process where RNA is formed using the DNA code
translation
the process where a ribosome reads the code in RNA to make proteins
RNA
a single-stranded nucleic acid that passes along genetic messages
insertion
genetic mutation where an extra nitrogen base is added
deletion
genetic mutation where a nitrogen base is left out
substitution
genetic mutation where one nitrogen base is swapped for another
zygote
fertilized ovum that has genes from both parents
dominant
an allele that covers or masks another
recessive
an allele that can be hidden or covered by another
genotype
the letters in an allele combination that determine the genetic makeup of an organism
phenotype
an organism's physical appearance, or visible traits
Punnett Square
a tool used to predict possible genetic outcomes
homozygous
having two identical alleles for a trait
heterozygous
having two different alleles for a trait
gamete
sex cell that contains a single set of chromosomes
Gregor Mendel
experimented with cross-pollination in pea plants; Father of genetics
variation
any difference between individuals of the same species