| Term | Definition |
| Codon | A three nucleotide base sequence that codes for an amino acid |
| Genome | The genetic code is composed of 64 codons that code for 20 amino acids and 3 stop codons. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and stop codons stop the writing process much like a period at the end of a sentence. |
| Nucleic acid | Polymer made of monomers; two examples are RNA and DNA |
| Transcription | Process of transferring information from DNA into an RNA message |
| Translation | The formation of proteins from an mRNA template |
| Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) | A double-stranded polymer of nucleotides that houses genetic information |
| Ribonucleic acid (RNA) | Typically a single-stranded polymer that is much shorter than DNA but chemically similar with a few differences (e.g.- uracil replaces thymine). |
| Replication | Reproduction of DNA content from parent to daughter cell during cell division |
| Amplification methods | Techniques that increase the amount of the target, the detection signal, or the probe so that sequences are readily detected |
| Fluorescence | The emission of light at a longer wavelength when the light is excited at a shorter wavelength |
| Oligonucleotide | Short single-stranded nucleic acid |
| Probe | A nucleic acid used to identify a hybridization target |
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | An amplification method performed in vitro |
| Polymorphism | A difference in DNA sequences for a small percentage of a population that differ from the majority of a population. |
