A cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

A weak bond between two molecules.

A simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH₂) group.

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism. Arranged in homologous pairs from longest to shortest; sex chromosome at the end.

The process of genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Any of a group of basic proteins found in chromatin (a chromosome).

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA.

Any nitrogenous organic compounds that consist of large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, especially as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, collagen, etc., and as enzymes and antibodies.

A complex organic substance present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA, whose molecules consist of many nucleotides linked in a long chain.

The term refers to the structure formed by double-stranded molecules of nucleic acids.

Codons that code for the same amino acids. For example, UUU and UUC code for the same amino acid-phenylalanine.

A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.

A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

The strong covalent bond formed between the deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA.

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

A molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

A mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

A region of DNA that encodes a functional RNA or protein product, and is the molecular unit of heredity.

The term used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism.

A nucleotide triplet within messenger RNA that signals a termination of translation.

Is a region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.