Higher Biology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to the unit on DNA and the Genome, aiding students in understanding essential concepts for their exam.

DNA

A double-helix molecule comprised of nucleotides, serving as the genetic blueprint for living organisms.

Nucleotide

The basic unit of DNA, consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, an organic base, and a phosphate group.

Anti-parallel strands

Describes the orientation of the two DNA strands in the double helix, running in opposite directions.

Sugar-phosphate backbone

The structural framework of DNA strands formed by covalent bonds between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of another.

Base-pairing rule

The principle that specifies which bases pair together in DNA (Adenine with Thymine, Cytosine with Guanine).

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus, including plants, animals, and fungi.

Prokaryotes

Organisms that lack a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotes and yeast that can replicate independently.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA by adding nucleotides to a growing DNA strand during replication.

Primers

Short strands of nucleotides that are necessary for DNA Polymerase to begin replication.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences using repeated cycles of heating and cooling.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

The RNA that carries a copy of the DNA code from the nucleus to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

The RNA that delivers specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

The RNA component of the ribosome, essential for protein synthesis.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a polypeptide from the mRNA transcript at the ribosome.

Gene Expression

The process by which the information from a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to alterations in protein structure or function.

Natural Selection

A process in which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Metabolic Pathways

A series of interconnected enzymatic reactions that allow cells to convert substrates into products.

Homeostasis

The regulatory process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Symbiosis

The interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, often to the benefit of both.