Final Vocab Flashcards
Transcription
a process in which RNA is made from DNA
Translation
process of converting the genetic code in mRNA into the amino acid sequence that makes up a protein
DNA polymerase
a type of enzyme that creates new copies of DNA
Promoter
a nucleotide sequence that will initiate transcription of a specific gene
Codon
group of 3 sequential nitrogen bases of an mRNA molecule
DNA Replication
The process of making a copy of DNA
Mutation
a change or error in the genetic code of DNA
Natural Selection
The process by which organisms with favorable variations reproduce at higher rates that those without such variations; when nature selects the favorable traits
Adaptation
In populations, to change genetically over generations to become more suited to the environment
Fitness
A measurement of the ability of a species to respond to the pressures of natural selection; the ability of individuals to survive to propagate their genes. Can be physical
Convergent Evolution
The process by which unrelated species become more similar as they adapt to the same kind of environment
Divergent Evolution
The process of two or more related species becoming more and more dissimilar
Endosymbiosis
A theory that eukaryotic cells originated through endosymbiotic relationships between ancient prokaryotic cells
Superposition
A law that states that successive layers of rock or soil were deposited on top of one another and the lowest level is oldest
Homologous Structure
Anatomical structures in one species that, compared to other anatomical structures in another species, originated from a single anatomical structure in a common ancestor of two species
