DNA and Human Biology - Lecture 13

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to DNA and human biology, particularly focusing on molecular biology and the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process by which DNA is replicated, transcribed into RNA, and translated into proteins.

Nucleic Acid

Biological macromolecules essential for all forms of life, consisting of long chains of nucleotides.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; a polymer made of nucleotides that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; a single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA Replication

The process of making a copy of DNA, which occurs in the nucleus during the S phase of Interphase.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process where the sequence of an mRNA is used to produce a corresponding protein.

Semi-Conservative Replication

Type of DNA replication where each new strand contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Complementary Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nucleobases in DNA and RNA: Adenine with Thymine (or Uracil in RNA), and Cytosine with Guanine.

Uracil

A nitrogenous base found in RNA that replaces Thymine found in DNA.

DNA Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Types of RNA

Includes mRNA (messenger RNA), rRNA (ribosomal RNA), and tRNA (transfer RNA), each playing distinct roles in protein synthesis.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits, such as nucleotides in nucleic acids.