Introduction to Microbial Genetics and DNA Structure

Genetics

Study of genes containing DNA information.

DNA

Deoxyribose nucleic acid; genetic material of cells.

Nucleotide

Building block of DNA composed of three parts.

Deoxyribose

Sugar component of DNA nucleotides.

Phosphate

Part of nucleotide forming DNA backbone.

Nitrogen Base

Component of nucleotides; varies among types.

Adenine

Nitrogen base that pairs with thymine.

Thymine

Nitrogen base that pairs with adenine.

Cytosine

Nitrogen base that pairs with guanine.

Guanine

Nitrogen base that pairs with cytosine.

Double Helix

Structure formed by two nucleotide chains.

Complementary Base Pairing

Specific pairing of nitrogen bases in DNA.

Gene

Segment of DNA coding for functional product.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; aids in protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; component of ribosomes.

DNA Replication

Process of copying DNA before cell division.

Replication Fork

Point where DNA strands separate during replication.

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme linking nucleotides to form new DNA strand.

Semiconservative Replication

Each new DNA has one parent and one daughter strand.

Origin of Replication

Segment of DNA where replication begins.

E. coli Chromosome

Contains approximately 4 million base pairs.

Daughter Strand

Newly synthesized strand from a parent DNA.