AP Biology DNA/RNA

Gene Expression

Process by which a gene creates RNA

Where is RNA made

Nucleus

Where does RNA help make proteins

Cytoplasm

Pyramidine

Nitrogenous Base with a single ring structure

Purine

Nitrogenous Base made of two ring structure

Gene Transcription

Crucial step in gene expression in which a DNA sequence is copied into a strand of RNA

Genetic Code

Specific set of instructions found in genes of cells that tell them how to make a protein

Chargaff’s Rule

The number of a pyrimidine nitrogen base is approximately equal to its pair purine base

Semiconservative Model

Each new DNA is made up of a strand of the old one, in addition to the new one

Helicase

Enzyme that unzips DNA, from double strand to single strand to be copied

DNA Polymerase

Replicates DNA; repairs, proofreads and maintains it

Ligase

Bonds DNA strands and Okazaki fragments together using phosphodiester bonds

Topoisomerase

Relieves pressure ahead of DNA unzipping, by untwisting, cutting and resealing

Lytic Cycle

Virus DNA replication causes bacteria to burst (lysis)

Lysogenic Cycle

Virus DNA replicates along side host DNA until favorable conditions cause it to kick into lytic cycle

Retrovirus

Virus that uses RNA, when infecting a cell, the cell converts it into DNA, which changes its genome

Conjugation Bacterial Reproduction

DNA is transferred between bacteria using pili

Transformation Bacterial Reproduction

Bacteria picks up free DNA from its surroundings

Transduction Bacteria Reproduction

Bacteria “accidentally” receives DNA from a virus