Glossary

• What does DNA stand for?


  DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
• DNA


  Instructions manual for protein (i.e. the genetic code)
• Alleles


  Different varieties of a gene which code for a different version of the same characteristic (e.g. eye color)
• Chromosomes


  Coiled thread of DNA found in the nucleus of all cells
• Gene


  A length of DNA that codes for making a particular protein (unit of inheritance)
• Genome


  Complete set of genes
• Bases


  4 types & their sequences determines the genetic instruction
• Haploid


  Having only 1 set of chromosomes (gametes)
• Diploid


  Containing 2 sets of chromosomes (all other cells)
• Dominant


  A characteristic that is displayed in your phenotype when 1 allele is present
• Recessive


  A characteristic that is displayed in your phenotype when you have both alleles for it
• Co-dominant


  Neither allele is recessive so your show characteristics for both (AB blood group)
• Gamete


  Sex cells
• Punnet square


  A chart that shows all the possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross
• Translation


  Once the mRNA is bonded to a ribosome, the protein can be assembled
• Mitosis


  Cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes (daughters cells)
• Meiosis


  Produces 4 haploid cells whose chromosomes are not identical
• Natural selection


  A process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits
• Selective breeding


  The process of selecting a few organisms with desired traits to serve as parents of the next generation
• Genetic modification


  The removal of a gene from 1 organism and it's insertion in to the DNA of another organism
• Restriction enzyme


  Breaking bonds in DNA, remove a gene or making a gap in the plasmid
• Plasmid


  Circular DNA molecule found in bacteria
• Ligase enzyme


  Remaking bonds in DNA, joining sticky ends of a gene to the plasmid
• Vector


  Can insert their DNA into cells
• Recombinant DNA


  2 different part of DNA stuck together
• Transgenic


  When the genetic material from 1 species has been transferred into a different species
• Cloning


  Genetically identical organisms
• Micropropagation


  A method of rapidly cloning large numbers of plants using explants and tissue culture
• Homozygous - Having two identical alleles at one locus on homologous chromosomes.
• Genome - The complete set of genetic information contained within an organism's chromosomes.
• Gene - A section of DNA that codes for the production of a protein.
• Heterozygous - Having two different alleles at one locus on homologous chromosomes.
• Dominant - An allele that is expressed when it is present with another allele, regardless of whether it is dominant or recessive.
• Recessive - An allele that is only expressed if both copies are present (homozygous).