bio words

• 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. Two strands 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 molecular builder adding Lego-like nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
• Complementary Base Pairs: Pairing of adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine in DNA.
• Semi-Conservative: DNA replication process where each new DNA molecule contains one original and one newly synthesized 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 electric field. DNA bands migrating through a gel, resembling a molecular sieve.
• 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 synthesizing RNA from DNA.
• RNA: Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in various cellular processes. Single-stranded, resembling one side of the DNA ladder.
• RNA Polymerase: Enzyme synthesizing RNA during transcription. Resembles a molecular transcriber 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 forming tissues 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 synthesizing proteins 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 reads mRNA during translation.
• Large Subunit (of Ribosomes): Component of ribosome that joins amino acids to form a protein chain.
• 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 genetic code 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.
• Parent Cell: Original cell undergoing division.