characteristics that are not controlled by genes, such as a pierced ears

1. acquired trait

characteristics that are not controlled by genes, such as a pierced ears.

2. protein

an organic compound that is made of one or more chains of amino acids and that is a principal component of all cells

3. ribosomes

organelles in a cell where proteins are made

4. nucleotides

basic units of DNA molecule, composed of a sugar, a phosphate, and one of 4 DNA bases

5. adenine

abbreviated as 'A' in DNA models; pairs with thymine (T).

6. thymine

abbreviated as 'T' in DNA models; pairs with adenine (A).

7. guanine

abbreviated as 'G' in DNA models; pairs with cytosine (C).

8. cytosine

abbreviated as 'C' in DNA models; pairs with guanine (G).

9. cloning

Making a genetically identical copy of DNA or of an organism.

10. gene therapy

The insertion of working copies of a gene into the cells of a person with a genetic disorder in an attempt to correct the disorder.

11. stem cell therapy

turning an undifferentiated cell into a cell that can be used to replace an organ or make new organs or limbs that would help someone; using undifferentiated cells for therapeutic reasons

12. viral vector

a virus that can be used in genetic manipulation to transfer desired genes into an organism