Laboratory Review 24: Molecular Genetics and Protein Synthesis

Vocabulary terms and key definitions covering DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and electrophoresis from Laboratory Review 24.

DNA

A biomolecule composed of deoxyribose sugars, phosphates, and the nitrogen-containing bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.

Hydrogen Bond

The type of bond that holds one complementary nitrogen base to another in a DNA molecule.

Replication

The biological process that copies DNA so that daughter cells resulting from mitosis and cytokinesis each receive a complete copy of DNA.

Ribose

The five-carbon sugar that is characteristic of RNA.

Uracil (U)

The nitrogen base found in RNA but not present in DNA.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

The type of RNA produced during transcription using DNA as a guide.

Template Strand

The strand of DNA that acts as the model or guide used to synthesize mRNA during transcription.

Ribosome

The cellular structure and site where protein synthesis occurs.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

The RNA molecule that transports individual amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of $3$ nitrogen bases that represents a specific amino acid.

Peptide Bond

The chemical linkage that connects one amino acid to another within a polypeptide chain.

Gel Electrophoresis (Fragment Mobility)

The separation principle where smaller DNA fragments travel more quickly through the gel matrix than larger fragments.

Hemoglobin

The specific protein that is altered or affected when an individual suffers from sickle-cell disease.