DNA Structure & Chromosome Assembly L3 Part 1

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary related to DNA structure and chromosome assembly, as discussed in the lecture.

Nuclein

A phosphorus-rich acidic substance isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1868, originally thought to be a protein.

Transforming Principle

The conclusion drawn from Griffith's experiment indicating that DNA, not proteins, is responsible for genetic transformation.

Chargaff's Rule

Observes that in DNA, the amount of adenine (A) equals thymine (T) and the amount of cytosine (C) equals guanine (G).

B-DNA

The most common DNA conformation in vivo, featuring a right-handed helix with about 10.5 base pairs per turn.

A-DNA

A DNA conformation present under dehydrated conditions, distinguished by a narrower major groove and tilted base pairs.

Z-DNA

A left-handed DNA conformation with a zigzag structure, typically found in sequences of alternating purines and pyrimidines.

Nucleosome

The basic structural unit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Histone H1

A linker histone that aids in stabilizing nucleosome structure and in forming higher-order chromatin structures.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids and is essential for the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division.

Telomere

The end of a linear chromosome, consisting of repetitive nucleotide sequences that protect the chromosome from deterioration.