Chapters 7 + 8 Microbio flashcards

Focuses on DNA replication

Deoxynucleotide

A building block of DNA, consisting of a 5-carbon sugar, phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (A, T, G, C).

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

A nucleic acid composed of ribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases (A, U, G, C) that is single-stranded.

Replication

The process of duplicating double-stranded DNA so that genetic information can be passed on.

Transcription

The process in which the DNA information is copied and converted into RNA.

Okazaki fragments

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

DNA Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA primers complementary to the exposed DNA template during replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals nicks and joins Okazaki fragments during DNA replication.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three bases in tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon in mRNA during protein synthesis.

Operon

A group of genes that are regulated together and control gene expression.

Mutations

Changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can affect the cell's genotype and phenotype.

Base substitution mutation

A common type of mutation where one base pair in DNA is replaced by another.

Frameshift mutation

Mutations caused by the addition or loss of DNA bases that alter the gene's reading frame.

Proofreading

The process by which DNA polymerase checks its work and corrects incorrect nucleotides during DNA replication.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms through processes such as conjugation.

Mutagen

An agent that causes genetic mutations, which can lead to changes in DNA.

Transposons

Pieces of DNA that can move from one location to another within a genome, potentially disrupting gene function.

Positive Control of Lac Operon

The mechanism where an inducer binds to a repressor, allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe genes.

Negative Control of Gene Expression

The process by which repressors bind to DNA to prevent transcription, inhibiting gene expression.

DNA polymerase III

The primary enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis during replication.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.