2. DNA replication ?  DNA replication- the basis for biological inheritance, is a fundamental process occurring in all living organisms to copy their DNA.  The basis for biological inheritance is basically when DNA makes copies of itself  DNA replicate is the copying of a double stranded DNA molecule producing two identical DNA double helices.  You can think of DNA replication as a zipper on a sweater it divides into two strands unwinding itself when zipped down, then winding itself back up forming a “DNA molecule”

3. Gene & Chromosomal mutations  Genes – factor that is based on from parents to the offspring.  Chromosomal mutation – an alteration to the chromosome.  Genes are basically a code in our DNA everyone has genes, families most often may share a lot of the same genes.  When there is a mutation in a chromosome there is most probably something wrong with the species.  Chromosomal mutations can sometimes be genetic.  Some examples of chromosomal mutations are …. a) Down Syndrome b) Color Blindness

4. Phenotypic Change  Phenotype – physical characteristic of an organism  A phenotypic change is a change in an organisms appearance  A mutation may result in a phenotypic change if the mutation occurs at a point on the gene that determines the phenotype.  Mutations don’t always result in phenotypic change.  Phenotypic change is mostly seen when looking into evolution  Evolution is the change of a species over time

5.  Transcription- synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template  The process of transcription is basically when the enzymes copy DNA to produce the proper RNA to run the organism.  This process creates proteins which make life possible.  Viruses like HIV and AIDS have the ability to read the cell’s transcription, which help the virus keep making copies of itself.  That is why it is so hard and nearly impossible to ever get rid of HIV.

6. Genetic Code  Genetic Code – collection of condos of mRNA.  Is the genetic code most common in almost all organisms ?  Yes, the genetic code is common.  Why ? Well because all organisms we know on earth today evolved from a common ancestor which used this same genetic code.

7. Similarities in Genetic Code  Similarity in genetic code are due to common ancestry because way back when we all shared a common gene with one of our ancestors and that is why we all have a similar genetic code.

8. Process Of Inheritances  Biological Inheritance – the process in which a living organism produces another organism that shares its same traits.  Inheritance results in specific variations and is the cornerstone for evolution.  Evolution is mostly based on characteristics and physical traits that have been passed down for generation to generation