Essential Cell Biology: Chapter 5
DNA - ANS-Double stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of covalently
linked deoxyribonucleic units. It serves as the cell's store of genetic information that is
transmitted from generation to generation.
Double Helix - ANS-The typical structure of a DNA molecule in which the two complementary
polynucleotide strands are wound around each other with base pairing between the strands.
Base Pair - ANS-Two complementary nucleotides in an RNA or DNA molecule that are held
together by hydrogen bonds.
Complementary - ANS-Describes two molecular surfaces that fit together closely and form
noncovalent bonds with each other.
Genetic Code - ANS-Set of rules by which the information contained in the nucleotide sequence
of a gene and it corresponding RNA molecule is translated into the amino acid sequence in a
protein.
Gene Expression - ANS-The process by which a gene makes a product that is useful to the cell
or organism by directing the synthesis of of a protein or an RNA molecule with a characteristic
activity.
Chromosome - ANS-Long, threadlike structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries the
genetic information of an organism; becomes visible as a distinct entity when a plant or animal
cell prepares to divide.
Karyotype - ANS-An ordered display of the full set of chromosomes of a cell arranged with
respect to size, shape and number.
Genome - ANS-The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or
organism.
Cell Cycle - ANS-The orderly sequence of events by which a cell duplicates its contents and
divides into two.
Replication Origin - ANS-Nucleotide sequence at which DNA replication is initiated.
Telomere - ANS-Repetitive nucleotide sequence that caps the ends of linear chromosomes.
Counteracts the tendency of the chromosome otherwise to shorten with each round of
replication.
DNA - ANS-Double stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of covalently
linked deoxyribonucleic units. It serves as the cell's store of genetic information that is
transmitted from generation to generation.
Double Helix - ANS-The typical structure of a DNA molecule in which the two complementary
polynucleotide strands are wound around each other with base pairing between the strands.
Base Pair - ANS-Two complementary nucleotides in an RNA or DNA molecule that are held
together by hydrogen bonds.
Complementary - ANS-Describes two molecular surfaces that fit together closely and form
noncovalent bonds with each other.
Genetic Code - ANS-Set of rules by which the information contained in the nucleotide sequence
of a gene and it corresponding RNA molecule is translated into the amino acid sequence in a
protein.
Gene Expression - ANS-The process by which a gene makes a product that is useful to the cell
or organism by directing the synthesis of of a protein or an RNA molecule with a characteristic
activity.
Chromosome - ANS-Long, threadlike structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries the
genetic information of an organism; becomes visible as a distinct entity when a plant or animal
cell prepares to divide.
Karyotype - ANS-An ordered display of the full set of chromosomes of a cell arranged with
respect to size, shape and number.
Genome - ANS-The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or
organism.
Cell Cycle - ANS-The orderly sequence of events by which a cell duplicates its contents and
divides into two.
Replication Origin - ANS-Nucleotide sequence at which DNA replication is initiated.
Telomere - ANS-Repetitive nucleotide sequence that caps the ends of linear chromosomes.
Counteracts the tendency of the chromosome otherwise to shorten with each round of
replication.
