SCC Biot 160 Credit by Exam Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering protein structure, molecular biology, laboratory mathematics, and biotechnology operations based on the SCC Biot 160 study guide.

Primary Structure ($1^\circ$)

The linear sequence of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, which is determined by DNA and dictates how the polypeptide chain folds.

Tertiary Structure ($3^\circ$)

The overall 3D shape formed by interactions between R-groups (side chains), including hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during the mechanism of replication.

Okazaki fragments

Discontinuous segments of DNA added to the lagging strand by DNA Polymerase III in a $5' \rightarrow 3'$ direction.

Transcription

The process where RNA Polymerase reads a DNA template strand to synthesize a complementary messenger RNA ($mRNA$) molecule.

Codons

Triplets of bases read by the ribosome on an $mRNA$ sequence, where each triplet codes for a specific amino acid.

Aseptic Technique

Methods used to keep micro-organisms contained and prevent contamination of cultures, the handler, or the laboratory environment.

Legal Scientific Notebook

An official patent and data record that must be a bound or sewn book written in permanent black ink, with all pages signed, dated, and witnessed.

Molarity ($M$)

A unit of concentration calculated using the equation $\text{Molarity } (M) = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{L of solution}}$.

Dilution Equation

The formula $(C_1V_1 = C_2V_2)$ used when making a dilute working solution from a concentrated stock solution.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate macromolecules, such as DNA, based on size and charge, where DNA migrates toward the positive electrode (Anode).

Autoclave

A hardware tool used for sterilization that uses high-pressure steam at $121^\circ\text{C}$ and $15 \text{ psi}$ for at least $15\text{--}20 \text{ minutes}$.

NFPA 704 Diamond

A color-coded hazard sign where Blue is Health, Red is Flammability, Yellow is Instability, and White indicates Special Hazards.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that possess a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains crystal violet stain, appearing purple under a microscope.

Facultative anaerobes

Bacteria classified by their ability to grow with or without the presence of oxygen ($O_2$).