Genes and Proteins

Front

Gene Noun

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[jeen]

Back

Gene

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A hereditary unit on a chromosome that determines traits and controls protein production; it is made of DNA.

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Example: The image shows a cell with chromosomes, zooming into a gene on the DNA strand, explaining how genes are hereditary units made of DNA.

Front

Cell Noun

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[sel]

Back

Cell

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The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, containing the complete set of genes for that organism.

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Example: The image shows an animal cell with labeled parts like the nucleus and mitochondria, illustrating the basic unit of life.

Front

Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

Back

Nucleus

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The cell's control center, which contains the chromosomes and the genetic blueprints for the cell.

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Example: The image shows the nucleus with labeled parts, explaining its role as the cell's control center containing genetic material.

Front

Chromosome Noun

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[kroh-muh-sohm]

Back

Chromosome

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A single, highly organized piece of DNA found inside the nucleus that contains many genes.

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Example: A chromosome inside a cell nucleus, showing DNA and important parts like the centromere.

Front

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Noun

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[dee-ok-see-rahy-boh-noo-kley-ik as-id]

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

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A long, twisted molecule that carries the genetic code for cell growth, reproduction, and protein creation.

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Example: The image shows the DNA double helix with labeled parts, explaining how it carries genetic information.

Front

Nucleotide Noun

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[noo-klee-uh-tahyd]

Back

Nucleotide

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The building block of DNA, composed of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base (A, T, C, or G).

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Example: A nucleotide is made of a phosphate, a sugar, and a base, shown with clear labels.

Front

Replication Noun

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[rep-li-key-shuhn]

Back

Replication

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The process during which a cell makes an exact copy of a DNA molecule.

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Example: The image shows how a DNA molecule is copied during replication, with labeled leading and lagging strands.

Front

Protein Synthesis Noun

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[proh-teen sin-thuh-sis]

Back

Protein Synthesis

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The process by which cells use the instructions in DNA to build proteins.

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Example: This image shows how amino acids link to form peptides, which then fold into proteins.

Front

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) Noun

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[rahy-boh-noo-kley-ik as-id]

Back

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

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A molecule that copies information from DNA in the nucleus and carries it to the ribosomes.

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Example: RNA is made in the nucleus and moves to the ribosome to help make proteins.

Front

Transcription Noun

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[tran-skrip-shuhn]

Back

Transcription

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The process where a cell makes a copy of RNA from a DNA template.

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Example: The image shows how RNA is made from a DNA template, with clear labels for DNA, RNA, and the process direction.