DNA Structure and Replication Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to DNA structure, replication, and genetics.

Mendelian Genetics

A set of primary principles related to inheritance established by Gregor Mendel.

Histones

Proteins that help package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

Nucleosomes

Structural units of eukaryotic chromosomes, composed of a segment of DNA wound around histone proteins.

Nucleotide

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

S Phase

The phase of the cell cycle in which DNA is replicated.

Semi-Conservative Replication

The process of DNA replication where each new double helix consists of one original and one newly synthesized strand.

Okazaki Fragments

Short, newly synthesized DNA fragments formed on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from nucleotides.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

Replicase

A complex of enzymes necessary for DNA replication.

Exonuclease

An enzyme that removes RNA primers during DNA replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.

Complementary Base Pairing

The principle that A pairs with T and C pairs with G in DNA.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group containing an oxygen and hydrogen atom, essential in the sugar of nucleotides.

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, made of nucleotides with four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).

Replication Fork

The area where the DNA double helix is separated into two single strands for replication.

Antiparallel Orientation

The arrangement of DNA strands in opposite directions: one runs 5' to 3', while the other runs 3' to 5'.

Replication Origin

The specific location on the DNA where replication begins.

Single Strand Binding Proteins

Proteins that bind to the single-stranded DNA during replication to prevent it from re-annealing.

Nucleic Acids

Biomacromolecules essential for all known forms of life, including DNA and RNA.

Nitrogenous Bases

The part of a nucleotide that contains nitrogen and participates in base pairing, includes adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Phosphodiester Bond

The bond that links the sugar and phosphate groups in the backbone of DNA.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.