1.1.5 DNA evidence

Nucleotide

A building block of DNA, consisting of a five-carbon sugar covalently bonded to a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group.

Thymine

A component of nucleic acid that carries hereditary information in DNA in cells. Chemically, it is a pyrimidine base.

purines

Bases with a double-ring structure. Adenine and Guanine

cells

Basic unit of life

proteins

Chains of amino acids

Pyrimidines

Cytosine and Thymine

genes

DNA segments that serve as the key functional units in hereditary transmission.

gel electrophoresis

Procedure used to separate and analyze DNA fragments by placing a mixture of DNA fragments at one end of a porous gel and applying an electrical voltage to the gel

histones

protein molecules around which DNA is tightly coiled in chromatin

Recognition site

specific sequence of bases where a restriction enzyme cuts DNA

helix

spiral, coil

chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

guanine

A component of nucleic acids that carries hereditary information in DNA and RNA in cells. Chemically, it is a purine base.

cytosine

A component of nucleic acids that carries hereditary information in DNA and RNA in cells. Chemically, it is a pyrimidine base.

adenine

A component of nucleic acids, energy-carrying molecules such as ATP, and certain coenzymes. Chemically, it is a purine base.

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

A double-stranded, helical nucleic acid molecule capable of replicating and determining the inherited structure of a cell's proteins.

polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A technique for amplifying DNA in vitro by incubating with special primers, DNA polymerase molecules, and nucleotides.

organelle

A tiny cell structure that carries out a specific function within the cell

prokaryotic cell

A type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus and membrane-enclosed organelles; found only in the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

restriction digestion

The process of cutting DNA molecules into smaller pieces using restriction enzymes.

genetics

The scientific study of heredity

restriction endonucleases

an enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites, producing small fragments used in genetic engineering.

eukoryotic cells

has a nucleus, has organelles or other cell parts

genome

the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes