gene Related Biological Terms

The cytological approach to genetics, mainly involving microscopic studies of chromosomes.

The degenerate code, also known as the redundancy of the genetic code, refers to the fact that multiple codons, or sets of three nucleotides, can code for the same amino acid during protein synthesis. In other words, the genetic code is said to be degenerate because different codons can encode for the same amino acid, but no codon can encode for more than one amino acid. For example, there are 64 possible codons that can be formed from combinations of the four nucleotides (A, T/U, G, and C), but there are only 20 different amino acids that are used to build proteins. Therefore, multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, and some amino acids are coded for by as many as six different codons. The degeneracy of the genetic code provides some degree of protection against mutations in the DNA sequence, as changes to one or two nucleotides in a codon can still result in the same amino acid being incorporated into the protein. Additionally, the degenerate code can also contribute to the efficiency of protein synthesis, as it allows multiple tRNA molecules with different anticodons to recognize and bind to the same codon on the mRNA strand. The degenerate code has also been shown to play a role in the evolution of new proteins and in the development of gene families. For example, mutations that introduce new codons for a particular amino acid can result in the formation of new genes that encode slightly different proteins, leading to the evolution of new functions or adaptations. Overall, the degenerate code is an important aspect of the genetic code that allows for the efficient and flexible synthesis of proteins and has important implications for understanding the evolution and function of genes and proteins.

Altering some specific part of a cloned gene and reintroducing the modified gene back into the organism.

Generations that have no overlapping reproduction. All reproduction takes place between individuals in the same generation.

The dorsal/ventral boundary of the developing wing imaginal disc structures the growth of the entire wing. Dorsal-ventral Patterning Genes transcription factors: brinker, dorsal, bagpipe, CrebA, C-terminal binding protein, Medea, nejire, pannier, schnurri, single minded, snail, tinman, twist, zerknüllt ventral lateral system or spitz group: pointed, rhomboid, single minded, sichel (maternal), spitz, Star Secreted factors: dpp, folded gastrulation, screw, short gastrulation, twisted gastrulation, tolloid, tolloid related-1 receptors for DPP: punt, saxophone, thick veins DPP pathway: Medea, MAD regulation of genes involved in dorsal-ventral patterning Dorsoventral patterning of the Drosophila Embryo is initiated by a broad Dorsal nuclear gradient, which is regulated by a conserved signaling pathway that includes the Toll receptor and Pelle kinase.

An identical locus mapping to a second site in a genome.

theory holding that development is a gradual process of increasing complexity. (This contrasts with preformationism, which holds that the organism is already present in the gamete(s), and merely grows and unfolds during development.) For example, organs are formed de novo in the Embryo rather than increasing in size from pre-existing structures.

heritable phenotypes in which the genotype does not appear to play a role. These phenomena may be due to unknown or poorly understood mechanisms of gene control. Examples of epigenetic inheritance in which gene activity depends on heritable influences are paramutation and parental imprinting.

A gene is said to be epistatic when its presence suppresses the effect of a gene at another locus. epistatic genes are sometimes called inhibiting genes because of their effect on other genes which are described as hypostatic. Example: A -> B-> C -> D gene C is epistatic to genes A and B, but not D.

The first Filial generation, produced by crossing two parental lines.