Molecular Biology Vocabulary

noun a substance or process that is biochemical

adjective relating to or involving the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms

• The study of biochemical processes in living organisms is crucial for understanding cellular functions.
• I find it fascinating how biochemical reactions occur in our bodies to keep us alive.
• I never knew biochemical stuff could be so complicated!
• The biochemical makeup of a person's character can be just as complex as their physical body.

noun A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.

• The scientist studied the genetic sequence to identify the specific gene responsible for the inherited disorder.
• My sister got her genes from our mom, that's why they look so alike.
• I heard that new rapper has some good genes, he's got the looks and the talent.
• Hard work and dedication seem to be in his genes, he's always striving for success.

noun abbreviation for ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells

• RNA, or ribonucleic acid, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
• Scientists are studying how RNA can be used to treat certain genetic disorders.
• I heard that RNA is like the messenger that tells cells what to do.
• Just like how RNA carries genetic information, communication is the RNA of relationships.

noun mRNA - messenger RNA, a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis

• mRNA is a molecule that carries genetic information from the DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
• Scientists use mRNA to study how genes are expressed in different cells.
• mRNA is like the messenger that delivers instructions from the DNA to make proteins.
• Just like a messenger, mRNA delivers important information to the protein-making machinery in the cell.

noun a process in which DNA is cut and recombined using enzymes

• Scientists use gene splicing techniques to manipulate the DNA of organisms.
• Researchers are messing around with gene splicing to change how things work.
• People are playing around with gene splicing to create new stuff.
• Gene splicing is like mixing and matching puzzle pieces to create something new.

noun the process of introducing nucleic acids into cells using a vector such as a plasmid or virus

• The transfection process involves introducing foreign genetic material into a cell.
• Transfection is like injecting new genes into a cell.
• When you do transfection, you're basically giving a cell a genetic makeover.
• Transfection is like sending a message to a cell in a language it can understand.

noun one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome

• The presence of a specific allele can determine an individual's eye color.
• Some people have the blue eye allele, but others have the brown eye allele.
• I got the tall allele from my dad, so I'm hoping to hit 6 feet soon.
• In the genetic lottery, I feel like I got stuck with all the recessive alleles.

noun a type of organic compound that is a fundamental component of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA

• Purine is a type of organic compound found in certain foods and beverages.
• I read that purine is in a lot of high-protein foods.
• I try to avoid foods high in purine because they give me gout.
• The purine content in that drink is through the roof!

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun

• The acid-binding capacity of the compound was tested in the laboratory.
• They're studying how well the acid-binding properties work in this new material.
• I heard this acid-binding stuff is supposed to be really good for cleaning.
• Her words had an acid-binding effect, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

• The research paper discusses the implications of ackgt in the field of genetics.
• I have no idea what ackgt stands for, do you?
• Ackgt is so confusing, I can't wrap my head around it.
• Her emotions were a swirling ackgt of conflicting feelings.

noun a substance formed from adenosine and three phosphate groups, involved in various cellular processes

• Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate is a crucial molecule involved in various cellular signaling pathways.
• I read that adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate plays a key role in cell signaling.
• Yo, did you know adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate is like super important for cell communication?
• Like how adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate acts as a messenger in cells, delivering important signals.

noun a chemical compound that contains an adenine nucleotide bound to a phosphate group

• Adenylate cyclase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP.
• I heard that adenylate is important for cell signaling.
• Do you know what adenylate does in the body?
• The adenylate pathway is like a highway for signaling molecules in the cell.

noun a type of nucleotide that is a component of DNA and RNA

• Adenylic acid is a nucleotide that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes.
• Scientists have been studying the effects of adenylic acid on cell growth.
• I heard adenylic acid is like the superhero of the cell world.
• Just like how adenylic acid powers up cells, coffee powers up people in the morning.