Allele — Any of two or more alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same location on a chromosome.
Amino acid — An organic compound whose molecules contain both an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). One of the building blocks of a protein.
Base — A chemical unit that makes up part of the DNA molecule. There are four bases: adenine (A) and guanine (G), which are purines, and cytosine (C) and thymine (T), which are pyrimidines.
Chromosomes — The structures that carry genetic information in the form of DNA. Chromosomes are located within every cell and are responsible for directing the development and functioning of all the cells in the body.
DNA — Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material in a cell. Chromosomes are made of DNA.
Dominant (dominant gene) — An allele of a gene that results in a visible phenotype if expressed in a heterozygote.
Gene — A discrete unit of inheritance, represented by a portion of DNA located on a chromosome. The gene is a code for the production of a specific kind of protein or RNA molecule, and therefore for a specific inherited characteristic.
Genetic recombination — New configurations produced when two DNA molecules are broken and rejoined together during meiosis.
Heredity — Characteristics passed on from parents to offspring.
Heterozygous — Two different forms of the same allele pair on the chromosome.
Homozygous — Two identical forms of the same allele pair on the chromosome.
Meiosis — The process of cell division in germ or reproductive cells, producing haploid genetic material.
Mitosis — The process of cell division in somatic, or body, cells, producing no change in genetic material.
Proteins — Macromolecules made up of long sequences of amino acids. They make up the dry weight of most cells and are involved in structures, hormones, and enzymes in muscle contraction, immunological response, and many other essential life functions.
Recessive — Refers to the state or genetic trait that only can express itself when two genes, one from both parents, are present and coded for the trait, but will not express itself when paired with a dominant gene.
Ribonucleic acid — RNA; the molecule translated from DNA in the nucleus that directs protein synthesis in the cytoplasm; it is also the genetic material of many viruses.
Transcription — The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.
Amino acid — An organic compound whose molecules contain both an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). One of the building blocks of a protein.
Base — A chemical unit that makes up part of the DNA molecule. There are four bases: adenine (A) and guanine (G), which are purines, and cytosine (C) and thymine (T), which are pyrimidines.
Chromosomes — The structures that carry genetic information in the form of DNA. Chromosomes are located within every cell and are responsible for directing the development and functioning of all the cells in the body.
DNA — Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material in a cell. Chromosomes are made of DNA.
Dominant (dominant gene) — An allele of a gene that results in a visible phenotype if expressed in a heterozygote.
Gene — A discrete unit of inheritance, represented by a portion of DNA located on a chromosome. The gene is a code for the production of a specific kind of protein or RNA molecule, and therefore for a specific inherited characteristic.
Genetic recombination — New configurations produced when two DNA molecules are broken and rejoined together during meiosis.
Heredity — Characteristics passed on from parents to offspring.
Heterozygous — Two different forms of the same allele pair on the chromosome.
Homozygous — Two identical forms of the same allele pair on the chromosome.
Meiosis — The process of cell division in germ or reproductive cells, producing haploid genetic material.
Mitosis — The process of cell division in somatic, or body, cells, producing no change in genetic material.
Proteins — Macromolecules made up of long sequences of amino acids. They make up the dry weight of most cells and are involved in structures, hormones, and enzymes in muscle contraction, immunological response, and many other essential life functions.
Recessive — Refers to the state or genetic trait that only can express itself when two genes, one from both parents, are present and coded for the trait, but will not express itself when paired with a dominant gene.
Ribonucleic acid — RNA; the molecule translated from DNA in the nucleus that directs protein synthesis in the cytoplasm; it is also the genetic material of many viruses.
Transcription — The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.