Chapter 11

Inheritance

The acquisition of traits by their transmission from parent to offspring.

Chromosomes

A discrete unit of genetic material composed of DNA and associated proteins. Eukaryotes have chromosomes in their cell nuclei and in plastids and mitochondria.

Nucleotides

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Transformation

A type of genetic transfer between bacteria in which a segment of DNA from the environment is take up by a competent cell and incorporated into the bacterial chromosome

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria.

Protease

An enzyme that cuts proteins into smaller polypeptides.

DNase

An enzyme that digests DNA.

RNase

An enzyme that digests RNA

Nucleic Acid

An organic molecule composed of nucleotides. The two types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.

Genetic material must meet the following four key criteria:

Information: The genetic material must contain the information necessary to construct an entire organism. Replication: The genetic material must be accurately copied. Transmission: After it is replicated, the genetic material can be passed from parent to offspring. It also must be passed from cell to cell during the process of cell division. Variation: Differences in the genetic material must account for the known variation within each species and among different species.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

One of two classes of nucleic acids; the other is ribonucleic acid. (RNA). A DNA molecule consists of two strands of nucleotides coiled around each other to form a double helix, held together by hydrogen bonds according to the AT/GC rule.

Phage

See bacteriophage: A virus that infects bacteria.