Fundamental Terms in Molecular Basis of Inheritance –
Class 12
Term Explanation
The molecule that carries genetic information in all living
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic
organisms. Made of nucleotides (A, T, G, C). Double helical in
Acid)
structure.
Gene A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait.
A highly coiled form of DNA, packed with proteins (histones).
Chromosome
Found in the nucleus. Humans have 46 chromosomes.
The basic unit of DNA/RNA. Made of a nitrogenous base (A, T/U,
Nucleotide
G, C), a sugar (deoxyribose/ribose), and a phosphate group.
The chemical units that pair in DNA and RNA: – DNA: Adenine
Nitrogenous Bases (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) – RNA: Uracil (U)
replaces Thymine
Base Pairing Rule A pairs with T (or U in RNA), G pairs with C. The number of A =
(Chargaff's Rule) T and G = C.
The twisted ladder structure of DNA discovered by Watson and
Double Helix
Crick.
The process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself
Replication
before cell division.
The process where DNA is copied into mRNA. Occurs in the
Transcription
nucleus.
The process where mRNA is decoded to make a protein.
Translation
Happens in ribosomes (cytoplasm).
mRNA (Messenger
Carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome.
RNA)
Brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Has
tRNA (Transfer RNA)
an anticodon.
rRNA (Ribosomal RNA) Forms the core of ribosomes and helps in protein synthesis.
A triplet of bases on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid
Codon
(e.g., AUG = methionine).
A triplet on tRNA that is complementary to mRNA codon. Helps
Anticodon
attach the right amino acid.
The coding part of a gene that is used to make proteins. Remains
Exon
after splicing.
The non-coding part of the gene. Removed from pre-mRNA
Intron
during splicing.
The process of removing introns from pre-mRNA and joining
Splicing
exons. Done by spliceosome.
The set of rules by which codons in mRNA are translated into
Genetic Code
amino acids.
A change in the DNA sequence. Can lead to diseases or
Mutation
variations.
Operon A unit of gene expression and regulation in prokaryotes (like lac
Term Explanation
operon in E. coli).
A model to explain how gene expression is regulated in bacteria
Lac Operon
based on lactose availability.
The complete set of DNA in an organism. Human genome has ~3
Genome
billion base pairs.
Genomics Study of structure, function, and mapping of genomes.
Human Genome Project An international project to sequence the entire human genome.
(HGP) Completed in 2003.
A technique used to identify individuals based on their DNA
DNA Fingerprinting
profile. Used in forensics and paternity tests.
Special proteins around which DNA coils to form chromatin and
Histones
chromosomes.