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DNA

A complex molecule (polymer) found in all living things that stores and transmits genetic information.

Nucleotides

The repeating subunits in DNA and RNA.

Double Helix

The shape of a DNA molecule consisting of two nucleotide chains that wrap around each other.

Polymer

A complex molecule composed of repeating subunits.

Deoxyribose

A 5-carbon sugar in DNA.

Ribose

A 5-carbon sugar in RNA that has more oxygen than deoxyribose.

Purines

Nitrogen bases with a double ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms, includes adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogen bases with a single ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms, includes thymine, cytosine, and uracil.

Base-pairing rules

Describe how bases bond; cytosine pairs with guanine, and adenine pairs with thymine.

Complementary base pair

A pair of bases that always bond together.

Replication

The process of duplicating the DNA molecule.

Chromosomes

Coiled, double rod-shaped forms of condensed DNA that form during cell division.

RNA (RiboNucleic Acid)

Responsible for moving genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the site of protein synthesis.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Single uncoiled strand that transmits information from DNA to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A single folded strand that bonds with a specific amino acid.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

A globular form that is the major constituent of ribosomes.

Transcription

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

Protein synthesis

The formation of proteins using information coded on DNA and carried out by RNA.

Translation

The assembling of protein molecules from information encoded in mRNA.