Nucleic acids
Naturally occurring chemical compounds that are primary information-carrying molecules in cells. They direct protein synthesis. DNA and RNA are the main ones.
DNA
a self-replicating material present in all living organisms. Carrier of genetic information.
RNA
Molecule that is essential for life, it carries genetic info and plays a key role in making proteins. Similar to DNA, but is single stranded and uses uracil as a base instead of thymine. Various functions like acting as a messenger, building robsomes, and carrying amino acids.
Nucleotide
The basic building block of nucleic acids. Made of three parts: five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The molecules link together to create long chains of genetic info with the specific sequences.
Double helix
The spiral structure made of two strands twisting around each other. The shape of DNA molecules.
Antiparallel
DNA consists of two strands of alternating phosphate and sugar groups. Linked by complimentary nitro bases like a ladder. Antiparallel molecules making up proteins like thymine and uracil.
Transcription
This is the first step in gene expression, which copies a gene’s DNA sequence to make an RNA molecule. Initiation, elongation, and termination.
Translation
When a genetic code contained by RNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. Occurs in the cytoplasm after transcription.
Chromosome
A thread-like structure within a nucleus containing long strands of DNA wrapped around proteins. Carries genetic information in the form of genes determining one’s physical traits. Humans have 23 pairs, inherited from both parents.
Gene
a unit of genetics transferred from parent to offspring and is held to determine genes. They are segments of DNA giving the body instructions on how to be.
Genome
An organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all the information needed to build that organism, made up of DNA.
mRNA
messenger RNA, single-stranded RNA made from DNA during transcription and carried to cytoplasm for translation.
tRNA
Transfer RNA is, small RNA molecules that link mRNA and amino acids in protein synthesis.
Codon
a sequence of three nucleotides together forming a unit of genetic code in DNA or RNA molecules. There are 64 of these sequences all encoding information for the formation of amino acids. Or serves as a start/stop signal for a chain of genetic material.
Amino acid
Building blocks of proteins, which are the majority of chemical reactions in a cell. Formed from codons.
Ribosome
cellular organelle that synthesizes proteins by translating genetic instructions from mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids, forming proteins.
Polypeptide/protein
Large numbers of amino acids are bonded together in a chain, forming a protein molecule.
Genome sequencing
The genome of an organism is made up of a unique DNA or RNA sequence. Genome sequencing determines the order of all or most nucleotides in the genome.
Genome editing
A method allowing scientists to change the DNA of many organisms, like plants, bacteria, and animals. Editing DNA can lead to changes in physical traits like eye color or disease risk.
CRISPR
A genome editing tool was invented in 2009. It acts like the human immune system, when bacterial cells are infected by a virus, CRISPR establishes a genetic memory. It creates a new guide RNA sequence.
