1.2- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA

Flashcards covering key concepts related to nucleic acids, DNA and RNA structures, and key biological processes such as replication, transcription, and translation.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules essential for life, storing and transmitting genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a type of nucleic acid that has a double helix structure.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a type of nucleic acid that is typically single-stranded.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands coiled around each other.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases with a two-ring structure; includes Adenine (A) and Guanine (G).

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases with a single-ring structure; includes Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), and Uracil (U).

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases: A with T, and G with C.

Genetic Information

Instructions stored in DNA for the development and function of living organisms.

Replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, which carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, which brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, which combines with proteins to form ribosomes.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of decoding mRNA into a polypeptide chain (protein).

Semi-Conservative

A method of DNA replication where each new molecule contains one old strand and one new strand.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication.

Ligase

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

Initiation (Transcription)

The stage where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of DNA.

Elongation (Transcription)

The process where RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by adding complementary nucleotides.

Termination (Transcription)

The endpoint of transcription when RNA polymerase reaches a termination signal.

Stop Codon

A sequence in mRNA that signals the termination of translation.