DNA and RNA Structure and Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering DNA and RNA structure, functions, base pairing rules, Chargaff's rule, cell growth, and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic nucleic acids.

Eukaryotic DNA Location

The nucleus of eukaryotic cells, with a small amount also located inside the mitochondria.

Prokaryotic DNA Location

The cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, where it exists as a circular loop of DNA without a surrounding nucleus.

Nucleic Acid

A biological macromolecule composed of a long chain of nucleotides, such as DNA or RNA.

Deoxyribose Sugar

The five-carbon sugar molecule that forms part of the nucleotide backbone in DNA.

Covalent Bond (DNA Backbone)

The chemical bond that joins together adjacent sugar and phosphate groups to form the backbone of a DNA strand.

Hydrogen Bond (DNA Base Pairs)

The chemical bond that joins complementary nitrogenous base pairs together at the center of a DNA molecule.

Nucleotide

The fundamental subunit of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and a sugar.

Antiparallel Arrangement

The orientation where the two strands of a DNA molecule run in opposite directions, one from $5'$ to $3'$ and the other from $3'$ to $5'$.

Gene

An organized unit of DNA sequence that stores genetic information coding for traits and controlling patterns of development.

Chargaff's Rule

The rule stating that in DNA, the percentage of adenine equals thymine ($A = T$) and guanine equals cytosine ($G = C$), with all bases adding up to $100\%$.

DNA Replication

The copying process occurring before cell division where a DNA molecule separates into two strands and produces two new complementary strands using each original strand as a template.

Complementary Base Pairs

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA where adenine pairs with thymine ($A-T$) and cytosine pairs with guanine ($C-G$).

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA molecule that is used as a blueprint to build proteins.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A type of RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

A type of RNA molecule that makes up part of the structure of ribosomes.

Uracil

The nitrogenous base found in RNA molecules in place of thymine.

Double Helix

The two-stranded twisted structure of DNA with sugar-phosphate backbones on the outside and nitrogenous base pairs in the center.

Transmitting Genetic Information

The process by which DNA molecules are sorted and passed along during cell division so each daughter cell receives a complete copy of genetic material.

Cell Growth Mechanism

The biological process by which organisms grow because their cells both divide in quantity and get larger in size.

Organism with Highest Adenine Percentage

Banana, which contains $36\%$ adenine ($36\%$ thymine, $14\%$ guanine, and $14\%$ cytosine) according to Chargaff's rule data.