Understanding DNA structure and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding DNA structure, transcription, translation, and the process of protein synthesis.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A molecule that carries genetic information and has a structure of a double helix.

Double Helix

The twisted ladder structure of DNA, where the sides are made of sugar and phosphate groups.

Nitrogenous Bases

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, which include adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) in DNA.

Base Pairing Rules

The rules that state A pairs with T and C pairs with G in DNA.

Transcription

The process of copying information from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA out of the nucleus.

Uracil (U)

A nitrogenous base in RNA that replaces thymine (T) found in DNA.

Codons

Groups of three nitrogenous bases in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis and has an anticodon that matches with mRNA.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins; there are 20 different amino acids.

Anticodon

A set of three bases in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Blueprint of Life

A phrase that describes DNA's role as the information source for building proteins that determine an organism's traits.