Nucleic Acids - DNA and RNA Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Nucleic Acids, DNA, and RNA.

What type of cells contain a nucleus?

Both plant and animal cells

Where is the nucleus typically located in animal cells?

In the center

What structure surrounds the nucleus?

Nuclear membrane or nuclear envelope

What is the function of the nuclear membrane?

Surrounds the Nucleus

What is the name of the ground substance inside the nuclear envelope?

Nucleoplasm or nuclear sap

What does the nucleoplasm contain?

Free nucleotide bases, the nucleolus, and the chromatin network

What is the function of the nucleolus?

Makes and contains RNA

What is the chromatin network?

A tangled mass of thread-like structures (chromosomes)

What are chromosomes made of?

2 chromatids and a centromere

What is the function of the centromere?

Holds the 2 chromatids together

What are sections of DNA called?

Genes

What is the function of the nucleus?

Controls all cell activities

What is the role of DNA in the nucleus?

Responsible for protein formation

What is the role of proteins like hormones and enzymes?

Control metabolic reactions

What do nucleic acids control?

Protein synthesis

What are the monomers for RNA and DNA?

Nucleotides

What are the three parts of a nucleotide?

Phosphate, sugar, and nitrogen base

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid

Where is nuclear DNA found?

Within the nucleus

Where is extra-nuclear DNA found?

Outside the nucleus

Who formulated the double helix structure of DNA?

James Watson and Francis Crick

Who took an X-ray photograph of DNA in 1952?

Rosalind Franklin and her assistant, Maurice Wilkins

What are the four nitrogen bases in DNA?

Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine

How do nucleotides connect to form a strand?

The sugar of one nucleotide bonds to the phosphate of another, forming a sugar-phosphate backbone.

What type of bonds holds nitrogen bases together in DNA?

Weak hydrogen bonds

Which base pairs with Thymine?

Adenine (2 hydrogen bonds)

Which base pairs with Cytosine?

Guanine (3 hydrogen bonds)

What is the shape of a DNA molecule?

Double helix

What is a gene?

A short segment of DNA with a specific base sequence

Approximately what percentage of DNA codes for proteins?

2%

Where does mtDNA originate from?

The mother

What are the functions of nuclear DNA?

Controls the synthesis of proteins and transmits hereditary characteristics from parent to offspring

What does RNA stand for?

Ribonucleic acid

What are the types of RNA?

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA), Messenger RNA (mRNA), and Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Where is ribosomal RNA (rRNA) found?

Cytoplasm

Where is messenger RNA (mRNA) found?

Nucleus and attached to ribosomes in the cytoplasm

What sugar is found in RNA?

Ribose

What are the four nitrogen bases in RNA?

Cytosine, Guanine, Adenine, and Uracil

Which nitrogenous base replaces Thymine in RNA?

Uracil

How does the structure of RNA differ from DNA?

RNA is single-stranded, shorter, and not coiled around histone proteins.

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

Picks up amino acids and takes them to ribosomes

What is the purpose of DNA replication?

DNA makes an exact copy of itself

When does DNA replication occur?

During Interphase, before cell division

What enzyme helps to break the weak hydrogen bonds between nitrogen bases during DNA replication?

Helicase

What are the two new identical DNA molecules formed during DNA replication called?

Daughter strands

What are the steps of the DNA profiling process?

Collect DNA, extract DNA, amplify DNA (PCR), separate fragments (electrophoresis), visualize and analyze.

What is PCR?

Polymerase Chain Reaction, which multiplies small amounts of DNA into millions of copies

What are some uses of DNA profiling?

Identify crime suspects, proof of paternity, determine genetic disorders/defects, trace missing people, identify dead persons, establish tissue compatibility for organ/tissue transplant, and fight illegal trade

Give an example of a reliability concern of DNA profiling.

A small DNA piece used might not be unique

Give one example of an ethical issue related to DNA profiling?

DNA profiling is expensive, limiting some suspects' defense