Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover essential concepts including the structure and function of nucleic acids, processes of replication, transcription, translation, and the role of different types of RNA.

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

Nucleotide

What are the two main types of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA

What is a nucleoside composed of?

A base and sugar.

What is a nucleotide composed of?

A base, sugar, and phosphate.

What type of bond connects the base and sugar in nucleosides?

Glycosidic bond.

What type of sugar is found in DNA?

Deoxyribose.

What type of sugar is found in RNA?

Ribose.

What type of bonds are formed between complementary base pairs in DNA?

Hydrogen bonds.

What enzymes are involved in DNA replication?

Helicase, DNA polymerase, primase, and DNA ligase.

What is the process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA called?

Transcription.

What is the start codon for protein synthesis?

AUG (Methionine).

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

Bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome and interpreting genetic information in mRNA.

What is meant by the term 'genetic code'?

The sequence of codons in mRNA that specifies the amino acids.

What occurs during the termination phase of translation?

The polypeptide chain is released when a stop codon is encountered.

What is the backbone of nucleic acids made up of?

Alternating phosphate and sugar groups.

What is a complementarity relationship in base pairing?

A matches with T (DNA) or U (RNA), and G matches with C.

What is the primary structure of nucleic acids?

The unique sequence of bases.

Where does transcription take place?

In the nucleus.

Where does translation occur?

At the ribosome in the cytosol.

What is the result of DNA replication?

Two identical copies of the original DNA.