Biology Terminology

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Genetics

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The study of heredity and variation of organisms and how they are passed down from one generation to the next.

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Cells

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The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; cells may exist as independent units of life and can replicate independently.

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Prokaryotes

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A microscopic single organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei; bacteria are the prime example.

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Eukaryotes

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Any organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

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Organelles

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An organelle is a tiny cellular structure that performs specific functions within a cell. Organelles are embedded in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

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Mutation

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Mutations are permanent, transmissible changes to the genetic material (usually DNA or RNA) of an organism.

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Amino Acid

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A simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH2) group. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

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Protein

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Proteins are one of the essential nutrients to maintain and promote the growth of the human body. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue, and can also be a source of fuel.

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Genes

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Genes are made up of DNA and make molecules (proteins). They are the basic physical and functional unit of heredity.

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Chromosomes

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A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and a protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, that carries genetic information in the form of genes.

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DNA

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A self-replicating material which is present in nearly all living organisms as the main component of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

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Haploid

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(Of a cell or nucleus) Having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

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Diploid

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(Of a cell or nucleus) Containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

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Trait

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A quality or characteristic belonging to a person.

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Dominant genes

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Genes that are easily passed down and are stronger than other genes. These are a component in the production of chromosomes.

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Recessive genes

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Genes that are not easily passed down due to being masked by dominant genes.

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Alleles

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Any of the alternative forms of a gene or other homologous DNA sequence.

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Phenotype

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Phenotype is the visible or observable expression of the results of genes, combined with the environmental influence on an organism’s appearance or behavior.

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Genotype

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Genotype is the information contained within two alleles. Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism and it results in some of the physical characteristics of that organism.

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Homozygous

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Homozygous is a word that refers to a particular gene that has identical alleles on both homologous chromosomes.

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Heterozygous

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Having different pairs of genes for any hereditary characteristic.

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Mitosis

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The process where a single cell divides resulting in generally two identical cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes and genetic content as that of the original cell.

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Autosome

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Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

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Meiosis

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The form of cell division that creates gametes, or sex cells (eggs or sperm) is called meiosis. It is a special form of reproduction that results in four next-generation cells, rather than just two, from each cell.

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Gametes

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A mature sexual reproductive cell such as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a zygote.

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Nucleotides

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DNA is made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of three parts: phosphate, sugar (deoxyribose) and nitrogenous base. One DNA molecule contains two chains of nucleotides.

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Nitrogenous Base

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There are four different nitrogenous bases. They are known as : Thymine (T), Adenine (A), Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C). Hydrogen bonds join the bases together. The base pairing rule means : A + T , C + G will bind.

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RNA

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There are two types of RNA: mRNA, tRNA. mRNA is a messenger RNA and tRNA is a transfer RNA.