Chapter 7 DNA Structure and Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 7 notes related to DNA structure and gene function.

DNA

A molecule of nucleic acid that stores information used by cells to produce proteins.

Nucleotide

A monomer subunit of DNA, made up of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Double Helix

The structure formed by two strands of DNA twisted around each other.

Base Pairing

The hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA: Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine.

Transcription

The process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template.

Translation

The process by which proteins are synthesized from mRNA.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Operon

A genetic regulatory system found in prokaryotes; a cluster of genes transcribed together.

Mutation

A change in a DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure or function.

Intron

A non-coding sequence in a gene that is removed during RNA processing.

Exon

A coding sequence in a gene that is retained in the final mRNA after processing.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.