| Define an anticodon | A sequence of three nucleotides found on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that specifically recognizes and pairs with a complementary codon on messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis, ensuring the accurate translation of genetic information into amino acids. |
| Define an anticodon | A sequence of three nucleotides found on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that specifically recognizes and pairs with a complementary codon on messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis, ensuring the accurate translation of genetic information into amino acids. |
| Define RNA | RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. It is a type of nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, among other functions. RNA contains the sugar ribose instead of deoxyribose and the nitrogenous base uracil instead of thymine |
| Define mRNA | mRNA stands for messenger RNA. It is a type of RNA molecule that carries the genetic information encoded in DNA from the nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. |
| Define an exon | An exon is a coding sequence within a gene that contains the information necessary to produce a functional protein. During gene expression, exons are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into a protein. |
| Define a gene | A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for the development, function, and reproduction of an organism. |
| Define a genome | A genome is the complete set of genetic information (DNA) of an organism, including all of its genes and non-coding sequences. |
| Define a genotype | Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, which comprises the unique combination of alleles inherited from its parents for each gene locus (location). |
| Define an intron | A non-coding segment of DNA within a gene that is transcribed into RNA. Important in gene regulation and generating protein diversity through alternative splicing. |
| Define a codon | A sequence of three consecutive nucleotides (adenine, cytosine, guanine, or uracil) in mRNA that encodes a specific amino acid or serves as a stop signal during protein synthesis. |
| Define an anticodon | A sequence of three nucleotides found on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that recognizes and pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA during protein synthesis, ensuring accurate translation of genetic information into amino acids. |
| Define 'noncoding DNA' | Segments of DNA within a genome that do not code for proteins but rather have regulatory or structural roles including gene expression regulation, chromosome structure maintenance, and serving as evolutionary remnants. |
| Provide one example of gene expression | An example of gene expression in DNA is when a gene is transcribed into mRNA, which is translated into a protein, allowing for manifestation of a particular trait or function in an organism. |
| Define transcription | The process where the genetic information encoded in DNA is synthesized into a complementary RNA molecule. |
| Define translation | The process in which genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to synthesize proteins within a cell. |
| Recall an example of a transcription factor gene that regulates morphology (HOX transcription factor family) and cell differentiation (sex-determining region Y). | The HOX transcription factor family controls the development of body structures and organs, while the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene regulates cell differentiation, specifically determining male sexual characteristics. |
| Define a HOX gene | Genes that play a fundamental role in regulating the development and patterning of body structures and organs during embryonic development. |
| Define the sex-determing region Y gene (SRY gene) | A gene located on the Y chromosome that triggers the development of male characteristics and determines the sex of an individual. |
