bio aos 1

Nucleic Acids

Essential biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information necessary for protein synthesis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid; serves as the genetic blueprint.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid; plays various roles in translating genetic information into proteins.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Adenine (A)

A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA.

Thymine (T)

A nitrogenous base found only in DNA.

Uracil (U)

A nitrogenous base that replaces thymine in RNA.

Polynucleotide Chain

A long chain of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that hold the two strands of DNA together, connecting complementary bases.

Genetic Code

A set of rules that define how sequences of nucleotides correspond to amino acids in proteins.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

Introns

Non-coding regions of a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

Exons

Coding sequences of a gene that are joined together in mature mRNA.

Spliceosome

A complex responsible for removing introns from pre-mRNA.

Gene Regulation

The process by which cells control the expression of genes.

Repressor Protein

A protein that binds to operator regions to inhibit transcription.

trp Operon

An operon that regulates genes involved in the synthesis of tryptophan in bacteria.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Primary Structure of Protein

The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Quaternary Structure of Protein

The structure formed when multiple polypeptide chains come together to form a functional protein.

Recombinant Plasmid

A genetically engineered plasmid that contains foreign DNA.

Gene of Interest

The specific gene that researchers want to express.

Transformation

The process of incorporating foreign DNA into a cell.

Antibiotic Resistance Gene

A gene included in plasmids that allows for the selection of transformed bacteria.

Insulin

A peptide hormone essential for glucose metabolism.

Beta-Galactosidase Gene

A gene used as a reporter for the identification of successful transformations.