Genetics 3.2 Vocabulary

An organic monomer which serves as a building block of proteins.

• amino acid

• anticodon

• messenger RNA

• transfer RNA

The synthesis of a polypeptide using the genetic information encoded in an mRNA molecule. There is a change of language from nucleotides to amino acids.

• ribosome

• transcription

• translation

• mutation

A rare change in the DNA of a gene, ultimately creating genetic diversity.

• translation

• mutation

• transcription

• codon

The synthesis of RNA on a DNA template.

• mutation

• translation

• transcription

• protein

Having an affinity for water.

• hydrophobic

• hydrophilic

• anticodon

• codon

Having an aversion to water; tending to coalesce and form droplets in water.

• hydrophobic

• hydrophilic

• codon

• anticodon

A three-nucleotide sequence of DNA or mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or termination signal; the basic unit of the genetic code.

• anticodon

• codon

• hydrophilic

• hydrophobic

A triplet of nucleotide bases in transfer RNA that identifies the amino acid carried and binds to a complementary codon in messenger RNA during protein synthesis at a ribosome.

• anticodon

• codon

• hydrophobic

• hyrdophilic

A cell organelle that functions as the site of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm; consists of ribosomal RNA and protein molecules and is formed by combining two subunits.

• nucleotide

• ribosome

• protein

• messenger RNA

The building block of a nucleic acid, consisting of a five-carbon sugar covalently bonded to a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group.

• ribosome

• protein

• nucleotide

• messenger RNA