DNA
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
Double helix
Shape of DNA
Nucleotide
monomer (subunit) of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
Phosphate group
group that covalently bonds to the deoxyribose sugar along the sides of DNA
Deoxyribose
A five-carbon sugar that is a component of DNA nucleotides
Nitrogenous base
A, T, C, G in the middle of DNA; the order determines traits, or characteristics
Adenine
The base that pairs with Thymine in DNA, purine structure
Thymine
The base that pairs Adenine in DNA, pyrimidine structure
Guanine
The base that pairs with Cytosine in DNA, purine structure
Cytosine
The base that pairs with Guanine with DNA, pyrimidine structure
Purine
double ring nitrogenous bases (A and G)
Pyrimidine
single-ring nitrogenous bases (C and T)
Complementary base pairing
Hydrogen bonding between particular pyrimidines and purines. A&T. C&G.
Hydrogen bonds
weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and another atom, holds bases together in the center of the double helical DNA molecule
DNA Replication (semi-conservative)
The process in which DNA makes a duplicate copy of itself.
DNA Helicase
An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication
DNA Polymerase
Enzyme involved in DNA replication that adds complementary base pairs and proofreads to check for errors.
Replication fork
The point at which the two strands of DNA are separated to allow replication of each strand. (Area where replication of DNA occurs)