Genetics Review

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What is DNA?

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for assembling amino acids into proteins.

Front

What is a Punnett square?

Back

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible combinations of alleles from the parents.

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What is homozygous?

Back

Homozygous refers to an organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene, such as AA or aa.

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What is heterozygous?

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Heterozygous refers to an organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene, such as Aa.

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What are alleles?

Back

Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

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What is gene expression?

Back

Gene expression is the process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein.

Front

What is the significance of the four nucleotides in DNA?

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The four nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) are the building blocks of DNA and determine the genetic code.

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What is the function of enzymes?

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Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body, including those involved in metabolism.