Molecular Structure of DNA and RNA

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the molecular structure of DNA and RNA, including important experiments and principles.

Transformation

A process where type R bacteria are transformed into type S by acquiring genetic information from dead type S bacteria.

Nucleotide

The repeating structural unit of DNA and RNA, consisting of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Chargaff’s Rule

A principle stating that in DNA, the amount of adenine equals thymine and the amount of cytosine equals guanine.

Double Helix

The three-dimensional structure of DNA, consisting of two strands twisted around each other.

Antiparallel Strands

The orientation of the two strands of DNA, where one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds that link nucleotides together in a DNA or RNA strand via phosphodiester linkages.

RNA Structure

Typically single-stranded, RNA uses uracil instead of thymine and ribose instead of deoxyribose.

Major Groove and Minor Groove

The two asymmetrical grooves present on the outside of the DNA double helix, where proteins can bind.

Hydrogen Bonding

The interaction between complementary bases in DNA strands, holding the two strands together.

Franklin's X-ray Diffraction

A method used by Rosalind Franklin that provided crucial information about the helical structure of DNA.