DNA and Genes
This molecule carries the genetic instructions or “code” used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms.
DNA
This type of genetic mutation involves a change in a single DNA base pair.
Point mutation
This Austrian monk is often called the "Father of Genetics" for his work with pea plants and describing inheritance.
Gregor Mendel
This genetic condition causes a person’s body to have trouble breaking down a sugar called lactose, which is found in milk and other dairy products. It often leads to stomach pain and diarrhea after eating dairy foods.
Lactose intolerance
These are the “building blocks of DNA,” often represented by the letters A, T, C, and G. Genetic mutations often involve these.
Nucleotides
This genetic condition is defined by a mutation causing difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, often confusing reds and greens.
Color blindness
In 1953, these two male scientists famously discovered the structure of DNA and were awarded a Nobel Prize for their findings.
James Watson and Francis Crick
This genetic condition affects a person’s ability to produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color, resulting in very fair skin and white- or light-colored hair.
Albinism
DNA is organized into these structures, which are tightly coiled and contain our genetic information.
Chromosomes
This genetic mutation occurs when a section of a chromosome is lost during DNA replication.
Deletion mutation
Historically uncredited for her work, this female scientist helped discover the structure of DNA and was never awarded a Nobel Prize.
Rosalind Franklin
This genetic condition causes individuals to have an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays and distinctive facial features.
Down syndrome
These are the segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which carry out many functions in our bodies.
Genes
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is caused by 1 extra or 1 less chromosome?
1 extra
Researchers who study how genetic traits are passed down from parents to children are called what?
Geneticists
This genetic condition causes a person’s body to have trouble clearing thick, sticky mucus from their lungs, leading to fits of coughing.
Cystic fibrosis
This process describes how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. It is why you share common features with your biological parents.
Inheritance
This type of mutation involves the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotide bases in the DNA sequence, leading to a shift in the “reading frame.”
Frameshift mutation
Scientists sometimes use these small creatures, like fruit flies and mice, to help them learn about genetics without performing research on humans. What are these creatures called?
Model organisms
This genetic condition causes blood cells that are shaped like a crescent moon, which can cause pain and trouble breathing.
Sickle cell disease