Glossary

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

 is a double stranded helical molecule that contains all the genetic information required for the development and functioning of organisms.

Development

 the process by which a single cell becomes a differentiated organism.

Developmental Field

a group of developmentally equivalent cells that together form and organise a part of the body plan.

 Embryogenesis

is the process by which the embryo is formed and develops. This begins at fertilisation.

Fertilisation

 the process of sperm fusion with an oocyte to produce a zygote. This is where development begins.

 Green fluorescent protein (GFP)

is used as a reporter of gene expression. Its inserted into an organisms DNA sequence by homologous recombination.

Homologous Recombination

is when there is physical arrangement between two stands of DNA.

Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA)

is a copy of the information carried by a gene on DNA. It is transcribed from a DNA template then directed towards the ribosome to carry coding information for protein synthesis.

Morpholino

a molecule used in genetics to modify a gene's expression. They bind to mRNA and block translation or disrupt splicing.

Mutation

is a change in the DNA sequence of a gene, and can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the gene. This alteration of the genetic material can occur spontaneously or be influenced by external factors, such as radiation.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

is a single stranded molecule consisting of nucleotides. Unlike DNA it contains the base Uracil in replace of Thymine.

Transcription

 is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

Translation 

is the synthesis of protein from mRNA