12 DNA - Structure and Function

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)