DNA Structure Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the basic structure, components, and rules of DNA based on the lecture notes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; a macro molecule found in the nucleus of nearly every cell that determines inherited characteristics.

Genes

Regions of a unique sequence of DNA that contain specific instructions for a cell, such as how to make proteins.

Nucleotide

The monomer of DNA composed of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base ($adenine$, $thymine$, $guanine$, or $cytosine$).

Sugar-phosphate backbone

The structural part of the DNA strand formed by the sugar and phosphate components of nucleotides.

Nitrogenous Bases

The four chemical components found in DNA: $adenine(A)$, $thymine(T)$, $guanine(G)$, and $cytosine(C)$.

Chargaff’s Rule

The rule stating that nitrogenous bases pair in a lock and key fashion: $A-T$ and $G-C$.

Hydrogen Bonds in DNA

The chemical bonds connecting base pairs; there are $2$ hydrogen bonds for $A-T$ and $3$ hydrogen bonds for $G-C$.

Double-helix

The twisted, ladder-like structure that describes the shape of the DNA polymer.

Monomer

In the context of DNA, this term refers to a single nucleotide.

Polymer

In the context of DNA, this term refers to the entire DNA strand composed of multiple nucleotides.

Apples in Trees – Carrots in the Ground

A mnemonic used to remember the complementary base pairs: $A-T$ and $G-C$.