DNA, RNA, and Protein Summative Study Guide

A set of flashcards covering key concepts about DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Nucleotides.

What are the three pieces in one nucleotide?

Nitrogenous base (A, T, G, C), sugar (deoxyribose), phosphate group.

What type of bonds connect adjacent nucleotides in DNA?

Covalent bonds.

What type of bonds form between base pairs in DNA?

Hydrogen bonds.

What is the base pairing rule for DNA?

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

What pattern exists among the number of A, T, C, and G in DNA?

The number of A equals the number of T, and the number of C equals the number of G.

Describe the structure of DNA.

Antiparallel double helix.

What is DNA replication?

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

What is semiconservative replication?

A type of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule contains one old strand and one new strand.

What is the role of mRNA?

It delivers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes and guides protein synthesis.

What is the process of transcription?

The process of forming mRNA from a template strand of DNA.

What does tRNA do?

Transfers the correct amino acids to the ribosome.

Where does DNA translation occur?

In the ribosome.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded, contains thymine and deoxyribose; RNA is single-stranded, contains uracil and ribose.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

What is a codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

What is an anti-codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with a codon in mRNA.

What determines the genetic code of DNA?

The order (sequence) of the nitrogenous bases.

What are the sides of the DNA ladder made of?

Deoxyribose and phosphate.

How many strands does RNA have?

RNA is single-stranded.

What is the role of ribosomes in translation?

Ribosomes facilitate the bonding of amino acids during protein synthesis.