A1.2 Nucleic Acids (SL)

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes on biomolecules, specifically focusing on nucleic acids.

Nucleic Acids

Organic biomolecules that store coded instructions for a cell's characteristics and act as units of inheritance.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the master copy of genetic instructions in living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid, serves as a temporary copy of specific DNA instructions used for protein production.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, composed of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Nitrogenous Bases

Components of nucleotides classified into purines (Adenine and Guanine) and pyrimidines (Cytosine, Thymine, and Uracil).

Phosphodiester Bond

The covalent bond forming between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group of another, creating a sugar-phosphate backbone.

Complementary Base Pairing

The pairing of nitrogenous bases (A with T/U and G with C), which is essential for DNA replication and transcription.

DNA Structure

DNA is a double helix formed by two antiparallel strands connected by hydrogen bonds between base pairs.

RNA Structure

RNA is typically single-stranded and can form loops through complementary base pairing; includes mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

Universality of the Genetic Code

The conserved set of rules that defines how nucleotide sequences are translated into protein sequences across all life forms.

Prokaryotic DNA Organization

In prokaryotes, DNA is unpackaged and forms a circular chromosome.

Eukaryotic DNA Organization

In eukaryotes, DNA is packaged with proteins into a compact structure called chromatin, organized into linear chromosomes.