Glossary

amino acid
the building block of proteins

chromosome
a structure within a cell, made up of DNA, that directs the activity within the cell and passes on genetic information to new cells

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
ladder-like molecule that stores genetic information, including information needed to build proteins

enzyme
a protein that helps control chemical reactions

nucleotide
the basic unit of DNA consisting of a base (A, C, T, or G), a sugar, and a phosphate

polypeptide
a chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds; proteins are made up of one or more polypeptides

protein
long-chained molecules used to build and repair cells; made of one or more chains of amino acids

ribosomes
protein-making sites within cells

RNA (ribonucleic acid)
substance that reads the genetic information carried by DNA; the same as DNA except that it is made up of only one strand, contains the base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), and contains the sugar ribose instead of deoxyribose

DNA Replication

All Wound Up

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