Heredity
The basic unit of heredity that carries instructions for traits.
Gene
The process where DNA makes an identical copy of itself.
DNA replication
Microorganisms that cause disease are called this.
Pathogens
Diseases not caused by pathogens are called this.
Non-infectious diseases
A common cause of hearing loss due to damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea.
Noise-induced hearing loss
The physical appearance resulting from an organism’s genotype.
Phenotype
A change in the DNA sequence is called this.
Mutation
Bacteria reproduce asexually by this process.
Binary fission
A condition where blood glucose levels are poorly regulated.
Diabetes mellitus
The part of the ear responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium.
Vestibular system / Semicircular canals
The process by which gametes are produced, ensuring genetic variation.
Meiosis
Mutations in these types of cells are passed on to offspring.
Germ cells / Gametes
This type of pathogen consists of genetic material inside a protein coat and requires a host cell to replicate.
Virus
Osteoporosis is caused by reduced levels of this mineral in bones.
Calcium
A clouding of the lens of the eye that leads to vision impairment.
Cataract
A cross between individuals with two different alleles for a single trait is called this.
Monohybrid cross
The three-base sequence in mRNA that codes for a single amino acid.
Codon
Malaria is caused by this type of pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes.
Plasmodium (protozoan parasite)
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in this type of membrane transport protein.
CFTR chloride channel
This condition causes increased pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve.
Glaucoma
The diagram used to predict the probability of inheriting traits.
Punnett square
The technology used to cut and insert genes into an organism’s DNA.
Recombinant DNA technology
The body’s first line of defense includes these physical barriers.
Skin, mucous membranes, cilia
Cardiovascular disease often results from a build-up of fatty deposits called these.
Plaques
The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that detects images.
Retina
The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Crossing over
The CRISPR-Cas9 system allows scientists to do this to DNA sequences.
Edit / Modify genes
The process where pathogens evolve resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance
Skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to this type of radiation.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
A genetic disorder where photoreceptor cells in the retina degenerate over time.
Retinitis pigmentosa
If an allele is expressed in the heterozygous condition, it is called this.
Dominant allele
The total genetic material of an organism.
Genome
The vaccine that helped eradicate smallpox was developed by this scientist.
Edward Jenner
This chronic lung disease is strongly linked to smoking.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Kidney stones form when these substances crystallize in the urinary tract.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The principle stating that allele pairs separate independently during gamete formation.
Law of Independent Assortment
This type of mutation results in the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, shifting the reading frame.
Frameshift mutation
The method used to detect and isolate specific DNA sequences from pathogens.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
An abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells in the body is called this.
Cancer
The machine used in dialysis to artificially remove waste from the blood.
Dialyzer / Dialysis machine
The term for traits controlled by two or more genes, such as height and skin color.
Polygenic inheritance
The process where one species’ DNA is introduced into another species.
Genetic engineering / Transgenesis
Antibodies are produced by this type of white blood cell.
B lymphocytes (B cells)
This neurodegenerative disorder is linked to the destruction of dopamine-producing neurons.
Parkinson’s disease
This condition occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood effectively.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
This technique uses short tandem repeats to compare DNA between individuals.
DNA profiling / DNA fingerprinting
The technique used to separate DNA fragments by size using an electric current.
Gel electrophoresis
The disease caused by the HIV virus, which attacks the immune system.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
The treatment that uses an individual’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
The surgical procedure for a patient with kidney failure.
Kidney transplant