Definitions Flashcards
Anticodon
Three consecutive bases on the tRNA
Codon
Three consecutive bases on the mRNA
Deletion Mutation
A mutation on the DNA where a base(s) is removed, resulting in a frame shift
DNA
A, T and C, G are base pairs. Double stranded, helix shape large, molecule, a whole chromosome deoxyribose sugar
Enzyme
A folded protein which acts as a biological catalyst to speed up the rate of a chemical reaction in an organism
Frameshift
Change in bases that the ribosome reads
Gene
Is a piece of DNA which codes for the making of a protein, trait.
Gene expression
The process where our instructions on our DNA are covered into a functional protein, includes transcription, translation and protein folding
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism for a feature eg. heterozygous (Bb) , homozygous dominant (BB), homozygous recessive (bb)
Phenotype
The physical appearance of a feature eg. hair colour, height, eye colour
Insertion mutation
A mutation on the DNA where a base(s) is added resulting in a frameshift
Metabolic pathway
A series of enzyme-controlled reactions, where the product of one reaction becomes substrate of the next
Missense mutations
A change of the base on the DNA which codes for a different amino acid. This may or may not alter the shape of the protein and therefore it’s function
mRNA
Messenger RNA. Made during the transcription in the nucleus. Carries the instructions to the ribosomes to make a polypeptide chain. Contains codons
Mutagen
Environmental factor which causes the mutation eg. agent orange, x-rays
