Basic Genetics Terms

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Nucleotide

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The basic building block of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

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Gene

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A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins.

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Transcription

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The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).

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Translation

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The process in which cellular ribosomes create proteins using the mRNA transcript produced during transcription.

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Ribosome

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A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).

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Codon

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A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.

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Amino acid

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Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.

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Protein folding

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The physical process by which a protein chain acquires its native 3-dimensional structure, a conformation that is usually biologically functional.

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Mutation

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A change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or extrachromosomal DNA.