DNA Structure, Function, and Replication

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA structure, function, and replication as outlined in the lecture notes.

DNA

A polymer composed of nucleotides that carries genetic information.

Nucleotide

The monomer unit of DNA, made up of deoxyribose, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands that run in opposite directions, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.

Central Dogma

The process by which DNA is transcribed to RNA and then translated into proteins.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, utilizing DNA replication principles.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can occur due to errors during replication or external factors like UV radiation.

Point Mutation

A mutation that causes a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, shifting the reading frame of codons.

Eukaryotic DNA Organization

In eukaryotes, DNA is organized into chromosomes, with DNA wrapped around histones forming nucleosomes.

Telomeres

Repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from degradation.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a growing chain.

RNA Primer

A short single-stranded RNA sequence used by DNA polymerase as a starting point for DNA synthesis.

Transformation Principle

The concept that a molecule (DNA) is capable of transferring genetic information from one organism to another.

Watson-Crick Model

The model of DNA structure proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick, elucidating the double helix configuration.

Okazaki Fragments

Short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.