Genetics Terms

4. One of multiple variations of a gene, or defined genetic region, located at a specific locus on homologous chromosomes.
5. The term for the main process of evolution, where a new allele arises, providing an advantageous phenotypic characteristic against a specific selection pressure, leading to the increased probability of surviving and reproducing, passing on the advantageous allele to the offspring
6. The process by which a gradual change over time (a result of DNA mutation), alters the genome of individuals in a population.
7. A change within a sequence of DNA due to rarely occurring copying errors or damage as a result of factors such as UV radiation or substances chemically reacting with the genetic material.
8. The observable features of an organism (morphological, physiological and behavioural) brought about by the expression of their genotype, such as hair and eye colour in humans.
9. Refers to the diversity within individuals, between the same species (intraspecific) or between different species (interspecific) which can be caused by genes and/or environment.
10. Refers to the relationship between complementary base pairs on the opposite nucleotides in nucleic acids. Pyrimidines, Thymine (Uracil in RNA) and Cytosine, bond exclusively with purines, Adenine and Guanine, respectively.

1. The first step in the process of gene expression where the genes in a strand of DNA are encoded into a complementary mRNA strand, which is then able to exit the nucleus for translation.
2. the process of storage, transfer, and expression of molecular information through DNA in biological organisms, either through sexual or asexual reproduction, from parent to offspring.
3. The second step involved in protein synthesis, where the genetic information from the mRNA sequence is converted into a linear sequence of amino acids in the 5’ to 3’ direction.