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Bio Vocab 16-21
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49
Biology
11th Grade
12/10/2012

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Term
Transcription
Definition
The process by which messenger RNA is synthesized from a DNA template resulting in the transfer of genetic information from the DNA molecule to the messenger RNA.
Term
tRNA
Definition
Transfer RNA. Small RNA molecules that carry amino acids to the ribosome for polymerization into a polypeptide. During translation the amino acid is inserted into the growing polypeptide chain when the anticodon of the tRNA pairs with a codon on the mRNA being translated.
Term
Translation
Definition
A step in protein biosynthesis wherein the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce the specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. The process follows transcription in which the DNA sequence is copied (or transcribed) into an mRNA.
Term
Triplet Code
Definition
the normal version of the genetic code in which a sequence of three nucleotides codes for the synthesis of a specific amino acid
Term
Capsid
Definition
The protein coat surrounding the nucleic acid of a virus
Term
Conjugation
Definition
The temporary joining together of two bacterial cells to transfer genetic material via the plasmid (either as solitary or as part of a chromosome) from the donor cell to the recipient cell.
Term
Episome
Definition
A genetic particle of certain cells, especially bacterial cells, that can exist either autonomously in the cytoplasm or as part of a chromosome.
Term
Operon
Definition
A group of genes or a segment of DNA that functions as a single transcription unit. It is comprised of an operator, a promoter, and one or more structural genes that are transcribed into one polycistronic mRNA.
Term
Plasmid
Definition
A linear or circular double-stranded DNA that is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA.
Term
Prophage
Definition
The genome of a lysogenic bacteriophage when it is integrated into the chromosome of the host bacterium. The prophage is replicated as part of the host chromosome.
Term
Restriction Enzyme
Definition
An enzyme from bacteria that can recognize specific base sequences in DNA and cut the DNA at that site (the restriction site). A restriction enzyme acts as a biochemical scissors. Also called a restriction endonuclease.
Term
Reverse transcriptase
Definition
A polymerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA on an RNA template, found in oncogenic viruses containing RNA, especially the retroviruses.
Term
Transformation
Definition
The genetic alteration of a bacterial cell resulting from the transfer of foreign DNA.
Term
Transposable element
Definition
A segment of DNA having a repeat of an insertion sequence element at each end as well as genes specific to some other activity such as resistance to antibiotics; it is capable of migrating to a new position within the same or another chromosome, plasmid, or cell and thereby transferring genetic properties.
Term
Cell differentiation
Definition
The normal process by which a less specialized cell develops or matures to possess a more distinct form and function.
Term
Differential gene expression
Definition
gene expression that responds to signals or triggers; a means of gene regulation, effects of certain hormones on protein biosynthesis.
Term
Histone
Definition
proteins that dna tightly coils around to form chromosomes.
Term
Oncogene
Definition
A gene that contributes to the production of a cancer.
Term
p53 Gene
Definition
A specific protein with a mass of 53 kilodaltons that is produced by a tumor-suppressor gene. Like other tumor-suppressor genes, the p53 gene normally controls cell growth. If p53 is physically lost or functionally inactivated, cells can grow without restraint. Many human tumors have mutations in the gene coding for the p53 protein.
Term
Tumor Suppressor gene
Definition
Changes in genes that prevent uncontrolled cell growth (cancer growth stimulated by the absence of by the absence of suppression)
Term
Apoptosis
Definition
Disintegration of cells into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis or by shedding.
Term
Cytoplasmic determinants
Definition
A substance, present in an egg or blastomere, that determines the fate of those cells that inherit it during cleavage.
Term
Homeotic gene
Definition
A developmental gene that specifies the anterior-posterior axis, as well as segment identity during the early embryonic development of certain organisms, such as metazoans.
Term
Morphogenesis
Definition
Formation of the structure of an organism or part; differentiation and growth of tissues and organs during development.
Term
Stem Cell
Definition
unspecialized (undifferentiated) cells that are characteristically of the same family type (lineage). They retain the ability to divide throughout life and give rise to cells that can become highly specialized and take the place of cells that die or are lost. Stem cells contribute to the body's ability to renew and repair its tissues.
Term
Totipotent
Definition
capable of developing into a complete organism or differentiating into any of its cells or tissues
Term
Bacteriophage
Definition
A virus capable of infecting a bacterial cell, and may cause lysis to its host cell.
Term
Ligase
Definition
An enzyme which is capable of binding two smaller components into one single structure
Term
Polymerase
Definition
enzymes that catalyse the synthesis of nucleic acids on preexisting nucleic acid templates, assembling rNA from ribonucleotides or dNA from deoxyribonucleotides. An enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA. An enzyme promoting the joining together of nucleic acids with one another.
Term
Helicase
Definition
a prokaryote enzyme that uses the hydrolysis of atp to unwind the dna helix at the replication fork, to allow the resulting single strands to be copied.
Term
Lagging Strand
Definition
The dna strand that is replicated discontinuously from the 5' to the 3' direction.
Term
Leading Strand
Definition
Strand of DNA being replicated continuously. In DNA replication, the strand that is made in the 5' to 3' direction by continuous polymerization at the 3' growing tip.
Term
Nuclease
Definition
One of the several classes of enzymes that degrade nucleic acid. An enzyme that can degrade DNA or RNA by breaking phosphodiester bonds.
Term
Okazaki fragment
Definition
Relatively short fragment of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.
Term
Primer
Definition
A segment of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a given DNA sequence and that is needed to initiate replication by DNA polymerase.
Term
Replication fork
Definition
A Y-shaped region in a chromosome that serves as the growing site for dna replication.
Term
Semiconservative Model
Definition
The mode by which DNA replicates. Each strand acts as a template for a new double helix. The established model of DNA replication in which each double-stranded molecule is composed of one parental strand and one newly polymerized strand.
Term
Telomere
Definition
Either (free) end of a eukaryotic chromosome; telomeres act as caps to keep the sticky ends of chromosomes from randomly clumping together.
Term
5' Cap
Definition
The 5' cap protects the mRNA from attack by 5' exonucleases and also functions in the recognition of the mRNA by ribosomes.
Term
Anticodon
Definition
A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides located on one end of transfer RNA. It bounds to the complementary coding triplet of nucleotides in messenger RNA during translation phase of protein synthesis.
Term
Codon
Definition
A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides constituting the genetic code that determines the insertion of a specific amino acid in a polypeptide chain during protein synthesis or the signal to stop protein synthesis.
Term
Exon
Definition
A sequence of DNA that codes information for protein synthesis that is transcribed to messenger RNA.
Term
Mutation
Definition
A permanent, heritable change in the nucleotide sequence in a gene or a chromosome; the process in which such a change occurs in a gene or in a chromosome.
Term
Intron
Definition
Non-coding, intervening sequences of dna that are transcribed, but are removed from within the primary gene transcript and rapidly degraded during maturation of messenger rna. most genes in the nuclei of eukaryotes contain introns, as do mitochondrial and chloroplast genes.
Term
mRNA
Definition
Abbreviated form for messenger ribonucleic acid, the type of RNA that codes for the chemical blueprint for a protein (during protein synthesis).
Term
Promoter
Definition
A site in a DNA molecule at which RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to initiate transcription of mRNA.
Term
rRNA
Definition
A nucleic acid found in all living cells. Plays a role in transferring information from dNA to the protein-forming system of the cell.
Term
Spliceosome
Definition
A complex of small nuclear organelles in which the splicing and excision reactions that remove introns from precursor messenger RNA molecules occur.
Term
TATA Box
Definition
A promoter DNA sequence crucial in forming the transcription initiation complex.
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