Glossary

Chromosome

A structure of protein and nucleid acids found in the nucleus of living cells. Chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of genes.

Phosphate

A salt of phosphoric acid. Phosphate helps to make up a nitrogen base.

Nitrogen base

A nitrogen base is a nitrogen-bearing compound with the chemical properties of a base. They are one of the crucial components of nucleic acids such as DNA. In DNA there are 4 nitrogen bases present: Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), Adenine (A) and Guanosine (G). When paired with eachother these bases are known as base pairs.

Amino acids

Amino acids are said to be the building blocks of life as they make up proteins, which in turn make up tissues, then organs and so on until a functional organism exists. There are 21 different amino acids which can connect in different ways, resulting in the production of different proteins.

Proteins

As mentioned above, proteins are crucial in the development of human tissue. Proteins consist of nitrogenous organic compounds which have large molecules composed of long chains of amino acids. They are very important as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair etc., and as enzymes and antibodies.

Nucleus

The positively charged central component of an atom. Consisting of protons and neutrons and containing nearly all an atoms mass, the nucleus is where chromosomes and therefore genes are found.