Terms for BIO Flashcards
Genetics specific vocabulary
Adaptations
Traits/phenotypes which allow an organism to better survive in its environment
Allele
An alternative version of a gene.
Amino acids
The building blocks of proteins.
Ancestor
An organism (or species) from which other organisms (or species) have evolved.
Antiparallel
The two strands of a DNA molecule run in opposite directions.
Asexual Reproduction
Requires only one parent. All offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
Bases
A, T, G, C.
Chromosome
A long strand of DNA containing a specific set of genetic information.
Complementary base pairs
A:T and G:C. Ensures the genetic code is replicated correctly during DNA replication.
Crossing-over
Swapping of DNA between homologous chromosomes during the meiosis process. Increases genetic variation.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
A molecule that carries the genetic code.
DNA sequencing
The process of finding out the exact order of bases on a length of DNA.
Dominant
An allele that is always expressed when it is present. Represented using capital letters. E.g., BB, Bb.
Evolution
Gradual change in the genetic code of organisms over a long period of time. May result in formation of new species.
Fertilisation
The process where the DNA from an egg and sperm fuse together.
Gametes
Sex cells containing half the chromosomes of the parent.
Genome
All the DNA in a single cell of an organism.