Unit 6: DNA, RNA and Protein Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts in DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis as outlined in the Unit 6 study guide.

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Nucleotides.

What are the three components of a nucleotide?

Nitrogenous base (A, T, G, C), sugar (deoxyribose), phosphate group.

What type of bonds connect adjacent nucleotides?

Covalent bonds.

What type of bonds connect base pairs in DNA?

Hydrogen bonds.

What is the base pairing rule for nucleotides in DNA?

A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

According to Chargaff's rules, what is true about the number of adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G) in DNA?

of A = # of T; # of C = # of G.

How would you describe the structure of DNA?

Antiparallel double helix.

What is DNA replication?

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

What does semiconservative replication mean?

Each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

What are the steps of DNA replication?

1. Unzipping of the double helix 2. Base pairing 3. Bonding of new nucleotides.

What is the main function of mRNA?

To carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

To transfer the correct amino acids to the ribosome.

What is a codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

What is the template strand in transcription?

The strand of DNA that is used as a guide to form mRNA.

Where does DNA transcription occur?

In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology?

DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

What is the product of transcription?

A strand of mRNA.

During protein synthesis, where are amino acids assembled into proteins?

In the ribosome.

What does it mean for DNA replication to be 'strictly the same'?

The sequence of nitrogenous bases remains unchanged after replication.

What molecules form the backbone of the DNA ladder?

Deoxyribose sugar and phosphate.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

RNA is single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, and has uracil instead of thymine.

How many amino acids are coded for by a DNA sequence depending on its length?

Each codon pairs with one amino acid, typically one amino acid is coded by three bases.