DNA Structure and Gene Function

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts regarding DNA structure, gene function, transcription, translation, mutations, and viruses.

DNA

Stores the information that the cell needs to produce proteins.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA composed of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA consisting of two strands twisted around each other.

Complementary Base Pairing

The pairing of adenine with thymine (A-T) and guanine with cytosine (G-C) in DNA.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that encodes a specific protein.

Transcription

The process of making an RNA copy from a DNA gene.

Translation

The process where the information in RNA is used to build a protein.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries protein-encoding information from the DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; brings amino acids to the ribosome matching the codons in mRNA.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; forms part of the ribosome and aids in protein synthesis.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Operon

A group of genes in prokaryotes that are transcribed together.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate gene expression by affecting the activity of RNA polymerase.

Point Mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair.

Frameshift Mutation

Mutations caused by insertions or deletions that change the reading frame of the codons.

Viral Replication

The process by which viruses infect host cells and replicate their genetic material.

Antiviral drugs

Medications developed to treat viral infections.

Viroid

Small circular RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but replicate within host cells.

Prion

An abnormal form of a cellular protein that can induce other proteins to adopt an abnormal shape.