Artificial Selection

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Traits Noun

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[trayts]

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Traits

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A specific characteristic of an organism, such as its physical appearance or behavior, which is determined by its genes.

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Example: The image shows how specific traits in pea plants are selected and passed to offspring through artificial selection.

Front

Natural Selection Noun

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[nach-er-uhl suh-lek-shn]

Back

Natural Selection

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The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully.

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Example: Different bird beaks show how natural selection adapts species to their food sources.

Front

Genetic Engineering Noun

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[juh-net-ik en-juh-neer-ing]

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Genetic Engineering

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The use of biological and chemical methods to directly change the arrangement of DNA that makes up an organism's genes.

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Example: The image shows how DNA is organized within a cell, which is key to understanding genetic engineering.

Front

Genes Noun

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[jeens]

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Genes

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Sections of DNA located on a chromosome that carry instructions for an organism's specific traits and direct cell activities.

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Example: This image shows how genes are sections of DNA on a chromosome inside a cell.

Front

DNA Noun

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[dee-en-ay]

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DNA

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The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.

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Example: This image shows the DNA structure, highlighting the nitrogenous bases and sugar-phosphate backbone, which carry genetic instructions.

Front

Chromosomes Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohmz]

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Chromosomes

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Thread-like structures made of DNA found in the nucleus of a cell that carry genetic information in the form of genes.

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Example: Chromosomes are thread-like structures in the cell nucleus that carry genes made of DNA.

Front

Recombinant DNA Noun

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[ree-kom-buh-nuhnt dee-en-ay]

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Recombinant DNA

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A DNA molecule that has been artificially created by combining genetic material from different organisms into a single molecule.

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Example: A plasmid is modified to create recombinant bacteria, showing how DNA from different organisms is combined.

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Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Noun

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[juh-net-ik-lee mod-uh-fahyd or-guh-niz-uhm]

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Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

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An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to produce a desired characteristic.

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Example: The image shows corn with a DNA strand, representing genetic modification in agriculture.

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Gene Therapy Noun

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[jeen thair-uh-pee]

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Gene Therapy

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A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease, often by replacing a faulty gene or adding a new one.

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Example: The image shows how a modified gene is inserted into a cell using a virus, explaining gene therapy.

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Vector Noun

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[vek-ter]

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Vector

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In gene therapy, a tool, often a modified virus, used to deliver genetic material like a new gene into a cell.

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Example: This diagram shows a virus used as a vector in gene therapy, highlighting parts like the capsid and viral genome.