Unit 3 Genetics

Front

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Back

A molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living things.

Front

Gene

Back

A segment of DNA that provides instructions to make a specific protein.

Front

Chromosome

Back

A structure made of DNA that is tightly coiled; humans have 46 chromosomes in most cells.

Front

Base Pair

Back

Two nitrogenous bases (A-T or C-G) that connect the strands of DNA.

Front

Nitrogenous Base

Back

One of four chemical building blocks of DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

Front

Mutation

Back

A change in the DNA sequence that can be harmless, harmful, or beneficial.

Front

Allele

Back

Different versions of the same gene (e.g., brown eyes vs. blue eyes).

Front

Homologous Chromosomes

Back

A pair of chromosomes (one from each parent) that have the same genes in the same places.

Front

Cell Cycle

Back

The regular pattern of growth, DNA replication, and cell division.

Front

Mitosis

Back

A process that divides a cell’s nucleus to produce two identical cells.