Science DNA Vocab Terms

Question 1

A change in the DNA sequence of a cell that will be passed on to each daughter cell. They can be beneficial or harmful to a cell and organism.
Ex: AATG → ACTG

Answer 1

Mutation

Question 2

Process of making a copy of DNA utilizing the parent strand as a template
(semi-conservative)

Answer 2

DNA-replication

Question 3

A pairs with T
and C pairs with G

Answer 3

Chargaff Rule

Question 4

Process of turning DNA (genetic info) into mRNA so it can be utilized to make proteins DNA= ATG GAC
mRNA= UAC CUG

Answer 4

Transcription

Question 5

Process of mRNA converting information to amino acids (occurs at ribosomes)
mRNA= AUG
Amino acid= meth

Answer 5

Translation

Question 6

The genetic makeup (genes) that determine traits

Answer 6

Genotype

Question 7

The physical traits that are the result of the genes (DNA)

Answer 7

Phenotype (genotype determines phenotype)

Question 8

The process of cell division which results in the daughter cells having half of the genetic information of the parent. The formation of gametes

Answer 8

Meiosis

Question 9

The exchange of genes between chromosomes resulting in new genetic combinations in the offspring

Answer 9

Crossing Over

Question 10

A condensed DNA molecule

Answer 10

Chromosome

Question 11

A segment of DNA, which determines a trait

Answer 11

Genes

Question 12

A molecule with a specific
sequence of bases. The sequence
of bases determines the traits of
an organism.

Answer 12

DNA

Question 13

The process of choosing two organisms with a desirable trait to mate and produce an offspring with those desirable traits.

Answer 13

Selective Breeding
Example: Corn

Question 14

The process of creating a genetically identical organism using the DNA from the original organism.

Answer 14

Cloning
Example: Dolly the sheep was a clone of another sheep.

Question 15

Organism that is genetically identical to another due to the biotechnology process of cloning.

Answer 15

Clone
Example: Dolly the sheep was a clone!

Question 16

The process of separating DNA fragments or proteins by size of the molecules or charge. Used to compare different organisms or species.

Answer 16

Gel Electrophoresis
Example: Used in crime scene investigation

Question 17

An area of science that uses part or all of a living organism to develop useful products.

Answer 17

Biotechnology
Example: Making insulin using bacteria and DNA recombination to treat diabetes.

Question 18

A small circular DNA molecule found inside of bacteria.

Answer 18

Plasmid

Question 19

An organism whose DNA has been altered a way that would not occur in nature.

Answer 19

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)
Example: A tomato with the gene from a fish

Question 20

The process of inserting a gene from one organism into another organism.

Answer 20

DNA Recombination/Genetic Engineering
Example: Product- bacteria that produces insulin

Question 21

The protein that cuts the DNA to be used for genetic engineering. Molecular scissors.

Answer 21

Restriction Enzyme
Example: EcoRi cuts between AT/TG on a DNA strand

Question 22

A difference in a characteristic or trait, from an organism in a species to another organism in the species

Answer 22

Variation