Biology: DNA and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to DNA structure, function, replication, and the roles of various enzymes involved.

Gene

A section of DNA that codes for a protein, with a unique sequence of bases.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, controls all aspects of the cell and the organism.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, which is arranged in two strands.

Nucleotide

The monomer of DNA composed of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Adenine

A purine base that pairs with Thymine in DNA.

Thymine

A pyrimidine base that pairs with Adenine in DNA.

Cytosine

A pyrimidine base that pairs with Guanine in DNA.

Guanine

A purine base that pairs with Cytosine in DNA.

Chargaff's Rule

In DNA, the amount of Adenine equals Thymine and the amount of Guanine equals Cytosine.

Helicase

An enzyme that unzips the double-stranded DNA helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA by adding nucleotides to the complementary strand.

Ligase

An enzyme that seals together Okazaki fragments during DNA replication.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to negative or positive changes in proteins.

Complementary Base Pairing

The process by which nitrogenous bases pair with their respective partners (A-T and C-G) in DNA.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid, a single-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.