DNA Vocabulary Flashcards
Chromesome
A structure in the nucleus of a dividing cell that contains packers DNA
Chromatin
The structure of DNA in a cell
Helix
A spiral shape
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the organic molecule that contains the information for carrying on a cell’s processes, in the form of a double helix
Homologous pair
A pair of chromosomes that are similar to each other in size and shape
Sex chromosomes
The two chromosomes that determine the sex in the offspring, not homologous; in humans: X in females, Y in males
Karyotype
A photograph of a complete set of chromosomes from one cell
Gene
The sequence of atoms (region) on a DNA molecule that code for a specific trait
Allele
Two or more sequences of atoms on different DNA molecules that code for different forms of the same trait
Homozygous alleles
Two alleles in a pair of chromosomes that are the same
Heterozygous alleles
Two alleles in a pair of chromosomes that are different
Locus
The exact physical location of a allele on the DNA
Genome
The entire genetic code of an organism, contained in each cell of the organism
RNA
Ribonucleic acid, the organic molecule that carries the information contained on DNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and serves as a base for making proteins
Mutation
A change in the genetic code on DNA due to errors in the copying or environmental damage
