alternative splicing Correct Answers The production of
different mRNAs (and proteins) from the same gene by splicing
its RNA transcripts in different ways
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase Correct Answers During protein
synthesis, an enzyme that attaches the correct amino acid to a
tRNA molecule to form a "charged" aminoacyl-tRNA
amphipathic Correct Answers having both hydrophobic and
hydrophilic regions, as in a phospholipid or a detergent molecule
anticodon Correct Answers Set of three consecutive
nucleotides in a transfer RNA molecule that recognizes, through
base-pairing, the three-nucleotide codon on a messenger RNA
molecule; this interaction helps to deliver the correct amino acid
to a growing polypeptide chain
Bacteriorhodopsin Correct Answers Pigmented protein found
in abundance in the plasma membrane of the salt-loving
archaeon Halobacterium halobium; pumps protons out of the
cell, fueled by light energy
cell cortex Correct Answers Specialized layer of cytoplasm on
the inner face of the plasma membrane. In animal cells, it is rich
in actin filaments that govern cell shape and drive cell
movement.
cell memory Correct Answers The ability of differentiated cells
and their descendants to maintain their identity
, cholesterol Correct Answers Short, rigid lipid molecule present
in large amounts in the plasma membranes of animal cells,
where it makes the lipid bilayer less flexible
codon Correct Answers Group of three consecutive nucleotides
that specifies a particular amino acid or that starts or stops
protein synthesis; applies to the nucleotides in an mRNA or in a
coding sequence of DNA
combinatorial control Correct Answers Describes the way in
which groups of transcription regulators work together to
regulate the expression of a single gene
detergent Correct Answers Soapy substance used to solubilize
lipids and membrane proteins
differentiation Correct Answers Process by which a pluripotent
cell undergoes a progressive, coordinated change to a more
specialized cell type, brought about by large-scale changes in
gene expression.
DNA methylation Correct Answers The enzymatic addition of
methyl groups to cytosine bases in DNA; this covalent
modification generally turns off genes by attracting proteins that
block gene expression
epigenetic inheritance Correct Answers The transmission of a
heritable pattern of gene expression from one cell to its progeny
that does not involve altering the nucleotide sequence of the
DNA