Genetics Terms

Question 1

semiconservative replication

Answer 1

Replication that produces two copies where each contains one of the original strands and one new strand.

Question 2

mRNA

Answer 2

A subtype of RNA that carries a portion of the DNA code to other parts of the cell for
processing.

Question 3

tRNA

Answer 3

Is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger mRNA sequence into a protein.
They function at specific sites in the ribosome during translation, which is a process that
synthesizes a protein from an mRNA molecule.

Question 4

translation

Answer 4

The process in which cellular ribosomes create proteins.

Question 5

transcription

Answer 5

It is the process of transcribing or making a copy ofgeneticinformation stored in
aDNAstrand into acomplementary strand mRNA.

Question 6

anticodon

Answer 6

A sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule,
corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.

Question 7

ribosome

Answer 7

A minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins, found in large numbers in the
cytoplasm of living cells. They bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize
polypeptides and proteins.

Question 8

DNA replication

Answer 8

The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNAfrom one
originalDNAmolecule.

Question 9

helicase

Answer 9

Enzymes that are essential during DNA replication because they separate double-stranded
DNA into single strands allowing each strand to be copied.

Question 10

chromatid

Answer 10

Each of the two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. Each contains a double helix of DNA.

Question 11

polymerase

Answer 11

An enzyme that brings about the formation of a particular polymer, especially DNA or RNA

Question 12

spindle fibre

Answer 12

Microtubules that move chromosomes during cell division.

Question 13

aster

Answer 13

A star-shaped cluster of microtubules.

Question 14

disjunction
(segregation)

Answer 14

When chromosomesmove apart toward the opposite poles of thecellinanaphase.

Question 15

cytokinesis

Answer 15

The division of the rest of the cell’s cytoplasm and organelles at the end of cell
division.

Question 16

synapsis

Answer 16

The fusion of chromosome pairs at the start of meiosis.

Question 17

crossing over

Answer 17

The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of
parental characteristics in offspring.

Question 18

centriole

Answer 18

A minute cylindrical organelle near the nucleus in animal cells, occurring in pairs and
involved in the development of spindle fibers in cell division.

Question 19

double helix

Answer 19

The term refers to the structure formed by double-stranded molecules of nucleic acids.

Question 20

nucleotide

Answer 20

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA.

Question 21

nucleic acid

Answer 21

A complex organic substance present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA, whose molecules
consist of many nucleotides linked in a long chain.

Question 22

hydrogen bond

Answer 22

A weak bond between two molecules.

Question 23

phosphodiester bond

Answer 23

Thestrong covalent bondformed between the deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA.

Question 24

amino acid

Answer 24

A simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH 2 ) group.

Question 25

codon

Answer 25

A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA
molecule.

Question 26

synonymous codons

Answer 26

Codons that code for the same amino acids. For example, UUU and UUC code for the same
amino acid-phenylalanine.

Question 27

fertilization

Answer 27

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Question 28

chromosomes

Answer 28

A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells,
carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Question 29

inheritance

Answer 29

The process of genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Question 30

histones

Answer 30

Any of a group of basic proteins found in chromatin (a chromosome).

Question 31

homologous chromo.

Answer 31

Chromosomes that have the exact same genes - although may have different alleles of these
genes, shape and size. They pair up during meiosis.

Question 32

karyotype

Answer 32

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism. Arranged in
homologous pairs from longest to shortest; sex chromosome at the end.

Question 33

somatic cell

Answer 33

Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.

Question 34

gene

Answer 34

A region of DNA that encodes a functional RNA or protein product, and is the molecular unit
of heredity.

Question 35

diploid

Answer 35

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Question 36

genome

Answer 36

The term used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism.

Question 37

gamete

Answer 37

A mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite
sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

Question 38

promoter region

Answer 38

Is aregionof DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Question 39

haploid

Answer 39

A cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Question 40

stop codon

Answer 40

A nucleotide triplet within messenger RNA that signals a termination of translation.

Question 41

protein

Answer 41

Any nitrogenous organic compounds that consist of large molecules composed of one or more
long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, especially as
structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, collagen, etc., and as enzymes and
antibodies.