Nucleic Acids Study Notes

Flashcards covering the key concepts, structures, and functions related to nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA.

Nucleic Acids

Essential biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, structured as a double helix, storing genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid, typically single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA consisting of two strands that wind around each other.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of DNA and RNA, composed of a phosphate group, sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases that include Adenine (A) and Guanine (G).

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases that include Cytosine (C), Thymine (T) in DNA, and Uracil (U) in RNA.

Base Pairing

A pairs with T, and G pairs with C in DNA; A pairs with U in RNA.

Genetic Information

The instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms, stored in DNA.

Replication

The process by which DNA makes copies of itself for cell division.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that forms part of the ribosome and is crucial for protein synthesis.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA.

Translation

The process of decoding mRNA into a polypeptide chain (protein).

Semi-Conservative Mechanism

The method of DNA replication where each new molecule contains one original and one new strand.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding complementary nucleotides.

Ligase

An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand of DNA.

Promoter Region

A specific sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Stop Codon

A sequence in mRNA that signals the termination of translation.