Biopolymers: DNA, RNA and Proteins

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to biopolymers, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and their structures and functions.

Residues

The part of the monomer that is incorporated into a biopolymer during polymerization, after some of the monomer is lost.

Dehydration synthesis

A reaction that forms biopolymers, which requires energy input and involves the removal of water.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a phosphate group, sugar, and a nucleobase.

Pyrimidines

A class of nucleobases in nucleic acids that includes cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Purines

A class of nucleobases that includes adenine and guanine, which pair with pyrimidines in base pairing.

Phosphodiester bond

A covalent bond linking nucleotides in DNA and RNA, providing a strong negative charge to DNA.

Base pairing

The specific hydrogen bonding between nucleobases in nucleic acids, following the rules of complementary pairing.

B-DNA

The most common form of DNA in cells, characterized by a double helix structure.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that acts as an intermediary for gene expression, specifying the amino acid sequence of proteins.

RNAse

Enzymes that hydrolyze RNA, contributing to its degradation.

Peptide bond

The bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis through dehydration synthesis.

Directionality in proteins

Refers to the defined start and finish of peptide chains, beginning at the N-terminus and ending at the C-terminus.

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate nucleic acids based on their charge, with migration distance depending on size.

Ethanol precipitation

A method to make nucleic acids insoluble by mixing with salt and ethanol, neutralizing their charge.