base pair: (in genetics) Two nucleotides pair up to form each rung in DNA’s or RNA’s ladder-like structure. In DNA, each nucleotide contains a base — either adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) or thymine (T) — together with a phosphate group and a sugar molecule (deoxyribose). In RNA, the bases are A, C, G and uracil, or U (and the nucleotide’s sugar is ribose). Bases link into pairs. And they’re picky. In DNA, A only pairs with T; G only pairs with C. In RNA, A always pairs with U and G only pairs with C. Base pair may also be a term for how many of these combos make up a particular string of nucleotides (such as one might be described as 8 base pairs long).
cell: (in biology) The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. Typically too small to see with the unaided eye, it consists of a watery fluid surrounded by a membrane or wall. Depending on their size, animals are made of anywhere from thousands to trillions of cells. Most organisms, such as yeasts, molds, bacteria and some algae, are composed of only one cell. (in telecommunications) A technology that relies on a large number of base stations to relay signals. Each base station covers only a small area, which is known as a cell. Phones that rely on this system are typically referred to as cell phones.
chromosome: A single threadlike piece of coiled DNA found in a cell’s nucleus. A chromosome is generally X-shaped in animals and plants. Some segments of DNA in a chromosome are genes. Other segments of DNA in a chromosome are landing pads for proteins. The function of other segments of DNA in chromosomes is still not fully understood by scientists.
database: An organized collection of related data.
deletion: (v. to delete) The process of removing some specific part or detail; or a reference to the things that has been removed.
DNA: (short for deoxyribonucleic acid) A long, double-stranded and spiral-shaped molecule inside most living cells that carries genetic instructions. It is built on a backbone of phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon atoms. In all living things, from plants and animals to microbes, these instructions tell cells which molecules to make.
domestication: (adj. domesticated) A process of producing a tame version of an animal from a wild one, which can take thousands of years. A domesticated animal is one that has been bred in captivity.
feline: Adjective for something having to do with cats (wild or domestic) or their behaviors.
gene: (adj. genetic) A segment of DNA that codes, or holds instructions, for a cell’s production of a protein. Offspring inherit genes from their parents. Genes influence how an organism looks and behaves.
genetic: Having to do with chromosomes, DNA and the genes contained within DNA. The field of science dealing with these biological instructions is known as genetics. People who work in this field are geneticists.
genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material in a cell or an organism. The study of this genetic inheritance housed within cells is known as genomics.
gland: A cell, a group of cells or an organ that produces and discharges a substance (or “secretion”) for use elsewhere in the body or in a body cavity, or for elimination from the body.
hue: A color or shade of some color.
mammal: An animal distinguished by possessing hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the feeding of their young, and (typically) the bearing of live young. They also are warm-blooded (or endothermic).
mutation: (v. mutate) Some change that occurs to a gene in an organism’s DNA. Some mutations occur naturally. Others can be triggered by outside factors, such as pollution, radiation, medicines or something in the diet. A gene with this change is referred to as a mutant.
organ: (in biology) Various parts of an organism that perform one or more particular functions. For instance, an ovary is an organ that makes eggs, the brain is an organ that makes sense of nerve signals and a plant’s roots are organs that take in nutrients and moisture.
pituitary: A small pea-shaped gland at the base of the brain that has two parts. Under directions from the brain, one part can secrete any of a series of different hormones (growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone). The second part can secrete either of two other hormones (oxytocin or vasopressin).
protein: A compound made from one or more long chains of amino acids. Proteins are an essential part of all living organisms. They form the basis of living cells, muscle and tissues; they also do the work inside of cells. Antibodies, hemoglobin and enzymes are all examples of proteins. Medicines frequently work by latching onto proteins.
sex: An animal’s biological status with respect to reproductive functions, typically male or female. There are a number of indicators of biological sex, including sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and external genitals. It can also be a term for some system of mating between male and female animals such that each parent organism contributes genes to the potential offspring, usually through the fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm cell.
species: A group of similar organisms capable of producing offspring that can survive and reproduce.
unique: Something that is unlike anything else; the only one of its kind.
X chromosome: A portion of an animal’s genetic inheritance that appears on a sex chromosome known as “X”. Females will usually have two X-chromosomes; males will typically have both an X- and a Y-chromosome.
Y chromosome: A portion of an animal’s genetic inheritance that appears on a sex chromosome known as “Y”. Males will usually have a Y- and an X-chromosome. Females ordinarily have no Y-chromosomes.