LS Chapter 5 DNA and Modern Genetics Key Vocabulary

Translation

Process by which mRNA is decoded and a protein is produced

Pedigree

a chart that shows family relationships, including two or more generations

Genome

all the DNA of an organism, including its genes; the genetic material of an organism

Mutation

any change made to DNA

DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

RNA

ribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to a ribosome, where the genetic information is used to bring together amino acids to form a protein

Transcription

synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template

Replication

the process by which DNA is copied before it condenses into chromosomes

Selective Breeding

the process of breeding plants and animals with specific traits to produce offspring that have these traits

Cloning

the process of using DNA technology to produce an offspring that is genetically identical to its one parent

Genetic Engineering

the scientific process in which DNA is separated from an organism, changed, and then reinserted into the same or a different organism