DNA Dynamics
The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
DNA Replication
The movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, against the concentration gradient, using energy.
Active Transport
An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
Organism
Any change to the genetic information of an organism that can be inherited by offspring.
Mutation
A high-energy molecule found in every cell, its hydrolysis provides energy for physiological processes such as muscular contraction.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
Transcription
The movement of ions and other atomic or molecular substances across cell membranes without the need of energy input.
Passive Transport
A group of individuals of the same species living and interbreeding within a given area.
Population
A genetic mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted, or deleted from a sequence of DNA or RNA.
Point Mutation
The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
Cellular Respiration
The process by which the sequence of a messenger RNA is used to produce a specific amino acid chain, or polypeptide, which then folds into a protein.
Translation
A process by which substances are transported across cell membranes by means of protein carrier molecules; also moves along the concentration gradient.
Facilitated Diffusion
Organisms, typically plants or algae, that produce biomass from inorganic compounds (autotrophs).
Producer (Ecological)
A genetic mutation caused by insertions or deletions of a number of nucleotides in a DNA sequence that is not divisible by three.
Frame-shift Mutation
The process in which cells build proteins; includes transcription of DNA into mRNA and translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
Protein Synthesis
The changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations.
Mutation
The spontaneous passage or diffusion of water or other solvents through a semipermeable membrane.
Osmosis
Organisms, usually bacteria or fungi, that break down dead organic material and wastes.
Decomposer
The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
Genetic Engineering
Structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information.
Chromosomes
The failure of one or more pairs of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate normally during nuclear division, usually resulting in an abnormal distribution of chromosomes in the daughter nuclei.
Nondisjunction
Transport proteins that move ions or molecules across the cell membrane, often against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Pumps (ion or molecular)
Organisms composed of more than one cell, with groups of cells differentiating to take on specialized functions.
Multicellular
A mode of inheritance in which the phenotypic effect of one allele is only expressed within a homozygous genotype.
Recessive Inheritance
A cell organelle that functions as the site of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm; composed of RNA and protein.
Ribosome