Chapter 16: The Structure of DNA and RNA

Vocabulary flashcards based on the structure of DNA and RNA as discussed in Chapter 16.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.

Purine

A class of nitrogenous bases that includes adenine and guanine, characterized by a two-ring structure.

Pyrimidine

A class of nitrogenous bases that includes cytosine, thymine, and uracil, characterized by a single-ring structure.

Base Pairing Rule

Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G) in DNA.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

The structural framework of DNA and RNA, consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that form between complementary base pairs in DNA, holding the two strands together.

Antiparallel

Describes the orientation of the two strands of DNA, which run in opposite directions.

Transformation

The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material.

X-ray Crystallography

A technique used to study the structure of crystals, crucial in determining the double helix structure of DNA.

Chargaff's Rule

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

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two intertwined strands forming a spiral shape.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein or RNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that specifies an amino acid.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells generate new proteins, involving transcription and translation.

Hershey and Chase Experiment

An experiment that confirmed DNA as the genetic material using bacteriophages.