Microbiology Chapter 10: Biochemistry of the Genome

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the biochemistry of the genome, including DNA and RNA structures, their roles, and related topics.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules composed of nucleotide monomers, such as DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

The building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that plays roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Antiparallel

Describes the opposite orientation of the two strands of DNA; one runs 5' to 3' while the other runs 3' to 5'.

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA; adenine pairs with thymine, cytosine pairs with guanine.

Purines

A class of nitrogenous bases that include adenine and guanine, characterized by a two-ring structure.

Pyrimidines

A class of nitrogenous bases that include cytosine, thymine, and uracil, characterized by a single-ring structure.

Phosphodiester bond

The type of covalent bond that links nucleotides together in a nucleic acid.

Complementary Strands

Two strands of DNA that pair together through specific base pairing.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

A type of RNA that makes up the structural and functional components of ribosomes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, formed by two intertwined strands of nucleotides.

Denaturation

The process of breaking the hydrogen bonds between DNA strands, resulting in single strands.

Renaturation

The process of re-forming the double helix of DNA when conditions are returned to normal.

5' to 3' Orientation

Refers to the directionality of DNA or RNA strands where the 5' end has a phosphate group and the 3' end has a hydroxyl group.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

The structural framework of nucleic acids formed by alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that form between complementary nitrogenous bases in DNA.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

Colistin

An antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Acinetobacter baumannii

A type of bacteria known for its resistance to antibiotics, often associated with healthcare-associated infections.

Deoxyribose

The sugar component of DNA, which is a pentose sugar.

Ribose

The sugar component of RNA, which is a pentose sugar.

Nitrogenous Bases

The parts of nucleotides that include adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine (in DNA), and uracil (in RNA).

Major Groove

One of the spaces in the DNA double helix where proteins can bind to the DNA.

Minor Groove

The smaller space in the DNA double helix, less accessible for protein binding.

Transcription

The process by which mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the necessary code to make a protein.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells generate new proteins, composed of two main stages: transcription and translation.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure.

Resistance Mechanism

The ways in which bacteria evade antibiotic effects, often through genetic mutations.

Case Study

An investigative approach to studying particular instances of bacteria or diseases.

Healthcare-Associated Infections

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics.

Biochemical Structure

The molecular organization or arrangement of atoms in biomolecules like DNA and RNA.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression.

Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes nucleic acids by adding nucleotides to a growing chain.

Gene Therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Biotechnology

The use of biological processes or organisms to develop products or technologies.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions within cells.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth.