DNA :code of life

Nucleic acid

A type of organic compound

Monomer

A building block

Nucleotide

The monomer which forms RNA and DNA

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid is made up of nucleotides Nitrogenous bases adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine • Carries the genetic code for protein synthesis

Nuclear DNA

DNA found in the nucleus

Extranuclear DNA

DNA found outside the nucleaus:mitochondrial or chloroplastic DNA

Double Helix

The shape of DNA consists of two strands joined together twisted spirally

Hereditary

Genetic information passed on from parent to offspring

RNA

Ribonucleic acid consists of nucleotides e Nitrogenous bases found in RNA are adenine, uracil, guanine and cytosine

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

mRNA carries the code for protein synthesis from DNA to the ribosome

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

rRNA forms ribosomes which are the site for protein synthesis

Transfer RNA(tRNA)

tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome to form the protein

Amino Acids

Monomer of protein

Base triplets

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on DNA

Codon

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on mRNA. These bases are complimentary to the triplet on DNA

Anti-Codon

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on tRNA. These bases are complimentary to the codon on mRNA

Transcription

1st stage of protein synthesis-mRNA formed from DNA carrying the code for the protein to be made

Translation

2nd stage of protein synthesis - amino acids combine to form a protein