Vocabulary for Unit #4

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to DNA and molecular biology concepts from Unit 4.

Gene

A section of DNA on a chromosome that contains the genetic code of a protein.

Nitrogenous Base

Important component of nucleic acids (DNA & RNA), composed of one or two nitrogen-containing rings.

Phosphodiester Bond

Bond that is responsible for polymerization of nucleic acids by linking sugars & phosphates of adjacent nucleotides.

Hydrogen Bond

A type of weak bond that involves the sandwiching of a hydrogen atom between two fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen atoms; especially important in the structure of nucleic acids and proteins.

Pyrimidine

A nitrogenous base composed of a single carbon ring; a component of DNA molecules.

Purine

A nitrogenous base composed of a double carbon ring; a component of DNA molecules.

Antiparallel

A reference to the observation that strands on DNA double helix have their nucleotides oriented in the opposite direction to one another.

Semiconservative Replication

Form of replication in which each original strand of DNA acts as a template for building a new strand.

Lysis

Breakdown/rupture of cells.

Gel Electrophoresis

A process that uses electricity to separate charged DNA fragments, RNA, and proteins on a gel.

Agarose

A carbohydrate from seaweed that is widely used as a medium for horizontal gel electrophoresis.

Promoter

Region at the beginning of a gene where DNA polymerase binds; promotes recruitment of RNA polymerase & other factors required for transcription.

Homologous Pairs

The two matching chromosomes having the same genes in the same order.

In Vivo

An experiment conducted in a living organism or a cell.

In Vitro

Any synthesis that is done wholly or partly outside of a living organism (e.g., PCR); literally means "in glass."

Probes

Labeled DNA/RNA sequence (oligonucleotide) that is used for gene identification.

Template

Strand of DNA from which a new complementary strand is synthesized.

Amplification

An increase in the number of copies of a particular segment of DNA, usually as a result of PCR.

Primers

The small strands of DNA used as a starting point for DNA synthesis/replication.

dNTP

The abbreviation for nucleotide triphosphates, which include dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP, used as the sources of A, C, G, and T for a new strand of DNA.