Vocabulary
A tightly coiled structure made of DNA and proteins that contains many genes. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of cells.
Chromosome
A large biological molecule made of amino acids that performs essential functions in the body, including structure, enzymes, transport, and regulation.
Protein
The substance in a cell that carries hereditary information from one generation to the next, such as DNA or RNA.
Genetic material
The basic building block of DNA, made of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.
Nucleotide
A specific segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein and influences a particular characteristic or function
Gene
The molecule that carries genetic information. It provides instructions for how an organism grows, develops, and functions
DNA
One of the four chemical bases in DNA (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) that pair together (A–T and C–G) to form the “rungs” of the DNA ladder.
Nitrogen base
An observable characteristic of an organism (such as eye color, height, or blood type) that is influenced by genes and sometimes the environment.
Trait
The twisted ladder-like shape of DNA, made of two strands winding around each other.
Double Helix