Mutations

Front

Mutation Noun

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[myoo-tay-shun]

Back

Mutation

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A permanent alteration to the genetic information of an organism, specifically a change in the DNA nucleotide sequence.

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Example: A DNA strand with a highlighted section shows a mutation, a change in the genetic sequence.

Front

DNA Noun

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[dee-en-ay]

Back

DNA

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The molecule, shaped like a twisted ladder, that stores an organism's complete set of genetic information.

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Example: The image shows DNA as a twisted ladder with labeled base pairs, explaining how genetic information is stored.

Front

Chromosome Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

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A tightly wound structure of DNA and protein found in the nucleus of a cell that contains genes.

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Example: The image shows a chromosome inside a cell, highlighting its DNA structure and genes.

Front

Gene Noun

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[jeen]

Back

Gene

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A specific section of DNA that provides the instructions for making a particular protein or RNA molecule.

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Example: The image shows a gene as a part of DNA within a chromosome in a cell.

Front

Nucleotide Noun

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[noo-klee-uh-tahyd]

Back

Nucleotide

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The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

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Example: The image shows a nucleotide with its three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base, illustrating the basic building block of DNA.

Front

Adenine Noun

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[ad-uh-neen]

Back

Adenine

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A nucleotide base found in DNA, represented by the letter A, which always pairs with thymine.

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Example: The image shows adenine in DNA, highlighting its pairing with thymine, important for understanding genetic mutations.

Front

Guanine Noun

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[gwah-neen]

Back

Guanine

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A nucleotide base found in DNA, represented by the letter G, which always pairs with cytosine.

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Example: The image shows guanine (G) pairing with cytosine (C) in the DNA structure.

Front

Thymine Noun

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[thy-meen]

Back

Thymine

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A nucleotide base found in DNA, represented by the letter T, which always pairs with adenine.

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Example: This image shows thymine (T) in DNA, paired with adenine (A), illustrating nucleotide base pairing.

Front

Cytosine Noun

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[sy-toh-seen]

Back

Cytosine

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A nucleotide base found in DNA, represented by the letter C, which always pairs with guanine.

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Example: Cytosine is shown pairing with guanine in the DNA double helix, illustrating its role in genetic coding.

Front

Genetic Variation Noun

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[juh-net-ik vair-ee-ay-shun]

Back

Genetic Variation

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The natural differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population, primarily created by mutations.

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Example: The image shows how DNA in chromosomes within a cell leads to genetic variation.