| AIDS |
Acquired
immune deficiency syndrome. The complex of signs and symptoms characteristic of the late
phase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. |
| Ames Test |
A method for detecting
mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic agents based upon the genetic alteration of
nutritionally defective bacteria. |
| anticodon |
The
trinucleotide sequence of transfer RNA that is complementary to the trinucleotide sequence
of messenger RNA (the codon). |
| codons |
A specific sequence of
three nucleotides in mRNA (or the sense strand of DNA) that constitutes the genetic code
for a particular amino acid. |
| conjugation |
In
bacteria, the contact between donor and recipient cells associated with the transfer of
genetic material such as plasmids. Can involve special (sex) pili. Also a form of sexual
recombination in ciliated protozoans. |
| genome |
The complete set of
chromosomes and genes in an organism. |
| genotype |
The
genetic makeup of an organism. The genotype is ultimately responsible for an
organism’s phenotype, or expressed characteristics |
| introns |
The segments on split
genes of eucaryotes that do not code for polypeptide. They can have regulatory functions. |
| mutation |
A
permanent inheritable alteration in the DNA sequence or content of a cell. |
| Okazaki fragments |
In replication of DNA,
a segment formed on the lagging strand in which biosynthesis is conducted in a
discontinuous manner dictated by the 59 ® 39 DNA polymerase orientation. |
| phenotype |
The
observable characteristics of an organism produced by the interaction between its genetic
potential (genotype) and the environment. |
| point mutation |
A change that involves
the loss, substitution, or addition of one or a few nucleotides |
| promotor region |
The
site composed of a short signaling DNA sequence that RNA polymerase recognizes and binds
to commence transcription |
| recombinant DNA |
A technology, also
known as genetic engineering, that deliberately modifies the genetic structure of an
organism to create novel products, microbes, animals, plants, and viruses. |
| transcription |
mRNA
synthesis; the process by which a strand of RNA is produced against a DNA template |
| transduction |
The transfer of genetic
material from one bacterium to another by means of a bacteriophage vector. |
| translation |
Protein
synthesis; the process of decoding the messenger RNA code into a polypeptide |
| transposons |
A DNA segment with an
insertion sequence at each end, enabling it to migrate to another plasmid, to the
bacterial chromosome, or to a bacteriophage. |
