DNA Replication and Transcription

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to DNA replication and transcription, important for understanding the principles of genetics.

Nucleic Acids Polar

Nucleic acids have distinct ends, with a phosphate group at the 5’ end and a hydroxyl group at the 3’ end.

Primary Structure of DNA

The sequence of nucleotides in nucleic acid, forming a sugar-phosphate backbone.

Phosphodiester Bond

The bond linking sugar and phosphate groups in the backbone of nucleic acids.

Replication Fork

The structure that forms during DNA replication where the DNA strands separate.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a short RNA primer for DNA polymerase to start DNA synthesis.

Leading Strand

The newly synthesized DNA strand that continuously elongates into the replication fork.

Lagging Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized in short fragments, lagging behind the leading strand.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Promoter

A specific DNA sequence that acts as a binding site for RNA polymerase and initiates transcription.

Transcription Start Site (TSS)

The exact nucleotide position on the DNA where the first RNA nucleotide is added during transcription.

Codon/Start Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins.

Coding Strand

The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the mRNA (with T replaced by U) and provides a template for RNA synthesis.

Template Strand

The DNA strand that is used as a template for RNA synthesis during transcription.