AP Biology

2. – A heritable trait that increases an organism’s fitness.
6. – The process of copying a DNA sequence into messenger RNA (mRNA), the first step in gene expression.
7. – A signaling molecule that binds specifically to a receptor site on another molecule, initiating a cellular response.
9. – A DNA sequence that promotes transcription by binding activator proteins, increasing gene expression.
12. – A regulatory protein whose levels rise and fall with the cell cycle, activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).
13. – The observable traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.
16. – Maximum population size an environment can sustain.
19. – The process of decoding an mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids to form a protein.
21. – A two-part cell division process in sexually reproducing organisms that produces haploid gametes and promotes genetic diversity.
22. – A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species, usually presented as a tree.

1. – Source of genetic variation.
3. – A noncoding segment of DNA that is transcribed but removed from mRNA before translation
4. – The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis, increasing genetic diversity.
5. – The use of living organisms or their components to perform practical tasks like gene cloning or CRISPR editing.
8. – A group of genes that are regulated together, found in prokaryotes (e.g., the lac operon in E. coli).
10. – A process by which organisms with beneficial traits survive and reproduce at higher rates.
11. – A type of gene interaction where one gene affects the expression of another (e.g., coat color in Labrador retrievers).
14. – The final phase of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense, and nuclear envelopes reform around each set.
15. – Programmed cell death; a controlled process that helps shape organisms and eliminate damaged cells.
17. – A secondary messenger often involved in signal transduction pathways (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).
18. – The genetic makeup of an organism, often represented by letter combinations like AA or Aa.
20. – The structure made of microtubules that separates chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.