What is a Genome?

Lee-Ann S. (United States of America)
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words only definitions & notes
  1. amino acid
    organic compounds containing an amino group and acid group
    Proteins are long chains containing as many as 20 different kinds of amino acids.
  2. chromosome
    a threadlike strand of DNA that carries genes
    In 1909, Danish botanist Wilhelm Johanssen coined the word gene for the hereditary unit found on a chromosome.
  3. RNA
    a nucleic acid that helps synthesize proteins and transmit genetic data
    Because mitochondria have their own DNA, RNA, and ribosomes, this scenario is quite possible.
  4. mutation
    a change or alteration in form or qualities
    There are many diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
  5. gene
    part of DNA controlling physical characteristics and growth
    The biological information contained in a genome is encoded in its deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and is divided into discrete units called genes.
  6. recessive
    of or pertaining to a recession
    These factors each exhibit a characteristic dominant, co-dominant, or recessive expression, and those that are dominant will mask the expression of those that are recessive.
  7. protein
    an organic compound essential to living cells
    Genes code for proteins that attach to the genome at the appropriate positions and switch on a series of reactions called gene expression.
  8. genome
    the full DNA sequence of an organism
    WHAT IS A GENOME?
  9. molecule
    the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
    In a DNA chain, every base is attached to a sugar molecule (deoxyribose) and a phosphate molecule, resulting in a nucleic acid or nucleotide.
  10. cell
    the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms
    Genes instruct each cell type- such as skin, brain, and liver-to make discrete sets of proteins at just the right times, and it is through this specificity that unique organisms arise.
  11. genetic
    relating to the study of heredity and variation in organisms
    The Physical Structure of the Human Genome

    Nuclear DNA

    Inside each of our cells lies a nucleus, a membrane-bounded region that provides a sanctuary for genetic information.
  12. enzyme
    a complex protein produced by cells that acts as a catalyst
    Each cell contains thousands of different proteins: enzymes that make new molecules and catalyze nearly all chemical processes in cells; structural components that give cells their shape and help them move; hormones that transmit signals throughout the body; antibodies that recognize foreign molecules; and transport molecules that carry oxygen.
  13. synthesis
    the combination of ideas into a complex whole
    This complementary base pairing is what makes DNA a suitable molecule for carrying our genetic information-one strand of DNA can act as a template to direct the synthesis of a complementary strand.
  14. organism
    a living thing that can act or function independently
    Every organism, including humans, has a genome that contains all of the biological information needed to build and maintain a living example of that organism.
  15. cellular
    relating to cells
    Through the process of evolution, these tiny organisms became incorporated into the cell, and their genetic systems and cellular functions became integrated to form a single functioning cellular unit.
  16. functional
    designed for or capable of a particular use
    Today we know that a single gene consists of a unique sequence of DNA that provides the complete instructions to make a functional product, called a protein.
  17. chemical
    produced by reactions involving atomic or molecular changes
    A DNA chain is made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A) and guanine (G), which are called purines, and cytosine (C) and thymine (T), referred to as pyrimidines.
  18. disease
    an impairment of health
    There are many diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Created on Wed Aug 31 14:54:34 EDT 2011

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