Molecular Genetics and DNA Structure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to molecular genetics, DNA structure, replication processes, and the genetic inheritance of traits.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; a polymer composed of monomers called nucleotides.

Nucleotide

Monomer of nucleic acid; consists of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

X-linked inheritance

Inheritance pattern where certain traits are carried on the X chromosome, affecting males and females differently.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the outcome of a particular cross or breeding experiment.

Semiconservative replication

A method of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one new strand.

Complementary base pairing

The pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA (A with T, C with G) that allows for consistent DNA structure.

Histones

Proteins that help in the packaging and organization of DNA into chromatin.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Gene silencing

The regulation of gene expression, where the expression of a gene is inhibited.

Antiparallel strands

The orientation of the two strands of DNA running in opposite directions (5' to 3' and 3' to 5').

Okazaki fragments

Short strands of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak bonds that hold the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix.

Methyl groups

Functional groups that can be attached to DNA, affecting gene expression and activity.

Red-green color blindness

A sex-linked recessive trait caused by a mutation on the X chromosome.

Experiment 1: Hershey & Chase

Showed protein is not the genetic material by labeling protein with sulfur and finding no radioactivity in bacteria.

Experiment 2: Hershey & Chase

Demonstrated DNA as the genetic material by labeling DNA with phosphorus and finding radioactivity in bacteria.

Prokaryotic DNA

Circular DNA located in the cytoplasm, not associated with histones.

Eukaryotic DNA

Linear DNA organized into chromosomes, associated with histones, and located in the nucleus.

Covalent bonds

Strong bonds that link nucleotides together in a DNA strand, forming the sugar-phosphate backbone.

Base pairing rules

Adenine pairs with Thymine and Cytosine pairs with Guanine in DNA.