DNA and RNA Structure

Flashcards covering the key concepts of DNA and RNA structure, including contributions of scientists and the characteristics of nucleotides.

Transformation

A type of transfer of genetic material from one cell to another or from one organism to another, discovered by Frederick Griffith.

Double Helix

The shape of DNA proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick, consisting of two chains that wrap around each other.

Nucleotide

The repeating subunit of DNA, consisting of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases that contain a single ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms, including Thymine and Cytosine.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases that contain a double ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms, including Adenine and Guanine.

Complementary Base Pairing

The pairing of adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine in DNA, crucial for DNA structure and function.

Ribose

The type of sugar found in RNA, which differs from deoxyribose found in DNA.

Uracil

The nitrogenous base found in RNA that replaces thymine in DNA.

Hydrogen Bonds

Forces that hold the base pairs together in the DNA double helix.

Base Sequence

The order of nitrogenous bases on one chain of DNA, complementary to the order on the opposite chain.

Fredrick Griffith

(1928) Discovered Transformation, Indicating genetic material transfer

Oswald Avery

(1940) Identified DNA as a transforming agent in bacteria

Martha Chase & Alfred Hershey

(1952) Confirmed that viruses contain DNA

What is the composition of DNA nucleotides?

Deoxyribose

Phosphate group

Nitrogenous bases (A-T, C-G)

Which nitrogenous bases are pyrimidines?

Thymine and Cytosine

Which nitrogenous bases are purines?

Adenine and Guanine

Describe the structure of DNA

• Spiral staircase

• Sugar & Phosphate ladders

• 10 Nucleotide pairs in full helix

• A-T, C-G

Describe RNA structure

• Ribose

• A-U, C-G

• Single stranded

• shorter than DNA

What did Erwin Chargoff do?

Create the rules. (1949)

(A-T, C-G)

Adenine = Thymine, Cytosine = Guanine

What is dna replication

helps dna copy itself by using one strand as a guide for the other