Biotechnology Vocabulary

molecular code that determines an organism’s traits; found in the nucleus of cells & passed down from generation to generation

• Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

• Proteins

• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

• Carbohydrates

Single stranded genetic molecule that transcribes & translates the information from DNA during protein synthesis

• Proteins

• Carbohydrates

• Ribosomes

• Ribonucleic Acid

Section of DNA with instructions to make a protein

• Gene

• Allele

• Chromosome

• Nucleus

A different version of a gene

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Allele

• DNA

One of 46 molecules of DNA; 23 come from each parent

• Allele

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Nucleus

Characteristic of an organism

• Proteins

• Alleles

• Trait

• RNA

The passing on of genetic traits

• Heredity (Inheritance)

• DNA

• Ancestors

• Evolution

Differences within a species or population in terms of their DNA

• Natural Selection

• Genetic variation

• Survival of the Fittest

• Mutation

Process by which organisms with the traits that make them best fit for their environment survive and pass on their traits to the next generation leading to evolution over time

• Common Ancestry

• Protein Synthesis

• Cloning

• Natural Selection

Process when genetic instructions are used to assemble amino acids into larger molecules

• Genetic Engineering

• Protein Synthesis

• Cellular Respiration

• Photosynthesis