DNA VOCAB

Adenine

A double ring nitrogenous base found in DNA & RNA

Complementary Base Pairing

pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA & RNA, where adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T); Guanine (G) Paris with cytosine (C).

Cytosine

A single ring nitrogenous base found in DNA & RNA

DNA

a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of organism; passed down from parents to offspring during reproduction.

DNA polymerase

an enzyme that assembles DNA nucleotides into polynucleotides using a pre-existing strand of DNA as a template.

DNA Repair Enzyme

specialized proteins that identify and correct damage to DNA

DNA Replication

the process by which a double stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules

Genetic Mutation

permanent alteration in DNA sequences of an organism, potentially leading to change in its traits.

Guanine

A double ring nitrogenous base found in DNA & RNA (G)

Nucleic Acid

a polymer consisting of many nucleotide monomers; serves as a blueprint for proteins and though the actions of proteins for all cellular structure and activities.

Nucleotide

organic monomer consisting of a 5 carbon sugar covalently bonded to a nitrogenous base and phosphate group.

Proofreading

error correcting processes particularly during DNA replication

Purine

A class of nitrogenous bases, specifically adenine and guanine

Pyrimidine

a nitrogenous bases. a type of organic compound, that forms a key part of the building in blocks (nucleotides) of DNA & RNA, characterized by a sex-member ring structure with 2 nitrogen atoms.

Replication fork

A ‘Y” shaped structure formed during DNA replication where double stranded DNA unwinds and separates into 2 single strands, allowing DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands using each original strand as a template.

RNA

a type of nuclei acid consisting of nucleotide monomers with ribose sugar & nitrogenous bases.

Semiconservative Replication

The DNA replication process where each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Template

A single-stranded nucleic acid (DNA OR RNA) that serves as a guide for the synthesis of a new DNA, RNA or protein molecule.

Thymine

a single ring nitrogenous base found in DNA