Chapter 7 Vocabulary

Question 1

Allele

Answer 1

An alternate form of a gene; for example, a gene for human hair color may have alleles that cause red or brown hair.

Question 2

Chromosome

Answer 2

A cell structure that contains genetic information along strands of DNA.

Question 3

DNA Fingerprint

Answer 3

Pattern of DNA fragments obtained by examining a person’s unique sequence of DNA base pairs (also called DNA profiling).

Question 4

DNA Probe

Answer 4

A molecule labeled with the radioactive isotope, dye, or enzyme that is used to locate a particular sequence or gene on a DNA molecule.

Question 5

Electrophoresis

Answer 5

A method of separating molecules, such as DNA, according to their size and electrical charge using an electric current passed through a gel containing the samples.

Question 6

Gene

Answer 6

Segment of DNA in a chromosome that contains information used to produce a protein or an RNA molecule.

Question 7

PCR

Answer 7

(Polymerase chain reaction) a method used to rapidly make multiple copies of a specific segment of DNA; can be used to make millions of copies of DNA from a very small amount of DNA.

Question 8

Restriction Enzyme

Answer 8

A molecule that cuts a DNA molecule at a specific, basic sequence.

Question 9

STR

Answer 9

(Short tandem repeat) tandem (next to each other) repeats of short DNA sequences (2 to 5 base pairs) with varying numbers of repeats found among individuals.

Question 10

VNTR

Answer 10

(variable number of tandem repeats) tandem (next to each other) repeats of a short DNA sequence (9 to 80 base pairs) with varying numbers of repeats among individuals.