Nucleic Acids and DNA Replication

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to nucleic acids, DNA structure, and the process of DNA replication.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that hold our genetic material, including DNA and RNA.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a type of nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

Nucleotide

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

Complementary Base Pairing Rules

The rules that explain how nitrogen bases pair with each other: A with T and C with G.

Antiparallel

Describes the arrangement of the two strands of DNA, where one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA strands.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that adds complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication.

Okazaki Fragments

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

Semiconservative Replication

The mechanism of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule contains one old strand and one new strand.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a short RNA primer to initiate DNA replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that connects Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Chargaff's Rules

Rules stating that in DNA, the amount of adenine equals thymine and the amount of cytosine equals guanine.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases with a double-ring structure, specifically adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases with a single-ring structure, specifically cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

The structural framework of nucleic acids, formed by alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that form between nitrogenous base pairs in the DNA structure.