Nucleotide: Basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base. Resembles a three-part Lego block.
DNA Replication: Process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy. Twostrands of DNA separating and each serving as a template for a new strand.
Helicase: Enzyme that unwinds and separates the DNA strands during replication. Resembles a ring-shaped structure, opening up the DNA helix.
DNA Polymerase: Enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands during replication. Functions like a molecularbuilder adding Lego-like nucleotides to the growingDNAstrand.
Complementary Base Pairs: Pairing of adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine in DNA.
Semi-Conservative: DNA replication process where each newDNA molecule contains oneoriginal and onenewlysynthesized strand.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is a way to make lots of copies of a specific piece of DNA in a test tube.
Primers: Short DNA strands that initiate DNA synthesis during PCR. Short sequences binding to the DNA, marking the starting point for replication.
Taq DNA Polymerase: Heat-resistant DNA polymerase used in PCR. Resembles a robust builder that withstands high temperatures.
Denaturation: Separation of DNA strands by heating.
Annealing: Binding of primers to DNA strands during PCR.
Gel Electrophoresis: Technique separating DNA fragments based on size using an electricfield. DNA bands migrating through a gel, resembling a molecularsieve.
DNA Profile: Unique pattern of DNA fragments used for identification purposes.
Restriction Endonuclease: Enzyme cutting DNA at specific sequences. Molecular scissors cutting DNA at precise locations.
DNA Markers: Reference fragments used in DNA analysis for comparison. Distinct DNA fragments of known size.
Transcription: Process of synthesizingRNA from DNA.
RNA: Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in various cellularprocesses. Single-stranded, resembling one side of the DNA ladder.
RNA Polymerase: Enzyme synthesizing RNA during transcription. Resembles a moleculartranscriber adding RNA nucleotides to a DNA template.
Hydrogen Bonding: Weak bonds holding DNA base pairs together.
Complementary Base Pairing: Specific pairing of adenine with uracil (in RNA) and guanine with cytosine.
Uracil: Nitrogenous base in RNA, replacing thymine. A single-ring structure in RNA.
Somatic Cells: Non-reproductive cells in an organism. Various cell types formingtissues and organs.
Gene Expression: Process where information in a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product. Molecular machinery reading and using genetic instructions.
Genes: Segments of DNA that code for specific traits or proteins.
Translation: Process of synthesizingproteins from mRNA.Ribosomes building proteins based on mRNA instructions.
Ribosome: Cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs. A molecular machine composed of proteins and RNA.
Small Subunit (of Ribosomes): Component of ribosome that readsmRNA during translation.
Large Subunit (of Ribosomes): Component of ribosome that joins aminoacids to form a proteinchain.
Messenger RNA (mRNA): RNA carrying genetic information from DNA to the ribosome. Single-stranded RNA transcript of a gene.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): RNA carrying amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Folded RNA resembling a cloverleaf.
Genetic Code: Set of rules determining how genetic information is translated into proteins.
Codon: Three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA coding for a specific amino acid.
Anticodon: Complementary three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA to the mRNA codon.
Degeneracy of the Genetic Code: Redundancy in the genetic code where multiple codons code for the same amino acid.
Universality of the Genetic Code: Consistency in the geneticcode across various organisms.
Stop Codon: Codon signaling the end of protein synthesis.
Start Codon: Codon indicating the beginning of protein synthesis.
Mutation: Permanent change in DNA sequence. Altered DNA structure due to a genetic change.
Base Substitution Mutation: Mutation where one nucleotide is replaced by another.