Function of DNA & RNA Deoxyribonucleic ecid (DNA) holds genetic information Ribonucleic acid (RNA) transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosome

What are the main functions of DNA and RNA?

DNA holds genetic information, while RNA transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

What is a nucleotide composed of?

A nucleotide is formed from a pentose sugar, a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group.

Bases in DNA and RNA

5 different bases overall in DNA & RNA: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine ,Uracil.

Bonding in Bases in DNA and RNA

Only complementary bases can pair & form H bonds. Adenine pairs with thymine & forms 2 H bonds. Guanine pairs with cytosine & forms 3 H bonds.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA nucleotides?

DNA nucleotides contain deoxyribose and thymine, while RNA nucleotides contain ribose and uracil.

How do DNA and RNA molecules differ structurally?

DNA is double stranded and longer, whereas RNA is single stranded and shorter.

What are the similarities between DNA and RNA nucleotides?

Both DNA and RNA nucleotides consist of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What type of bonds hold the two strands of the DNA double helix together?

Hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.

Why is DNA double stranded important for semi-conservative replication?

Both strands can act as templates for the synthesis of new complementary strands.

What role do weak hydrogen bonds play in DNA replication?

Weak hydrogen bonds between bases allow the DNA strands to unzip for replication.

How does complementary base pairing contribute to DNA replication?

It ensures accurate replication by matching adenine with thymine and guanine with cytosine.

What is the significance of the many hydrogen bonds between DNA bases?

They provide stability and strength to the DNA molecule as a whole.

How does the double helix structure with a sugar-phosphate backbone protect DNA?

It helps shield the bases and hydrogen bonds, maintaining structural integrity.

Why is the long nature of DNA important for genetic information storage?

It helps shield the bases and hydrogen bonds, maintaining structural integrity.

What advantage does the coiled structure of the double helix provide?

It enables DNA to be compact, fitting into the nucleus of cells.

What evidence did Meselson and Stahl provide for semi-conservative replication?

Their experiment showed that after replication, one strand is always original, and the other is new.

What is a genome?

The complete set of genes in a cell or organism, including those in mitochondria and chloroplasts.

What are introns?

Regions within a gene that do not code for polypeptides.

What type of DNA is found in prokaryotes compared to eukaryotes?

Prokaryotic DNA is shorter, circular, and not associated with histones, while eukaryotic DNA is long, linear, and associated with histones.

What is a gene?

A section of DNA bases that codes for the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide or for functional RNA.

What is a locus?

A locus is a specific, fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or genetic marker is located.

What is a DNA Triplet

a sequence of 3 DNA bases that code for a specific amino acid

What is a Genome

The complete set of genes in a cell or organism, including those in mitochondria and chloroplasts.

What is a proteome?

The full range of proteins that a cell or genome is capable of producing.

What are alleles?

Different versions (sequence of bases/triplets) of the same gene.

What is a homologous pair of chromosomes?

Chromosomes that are the same size and carry the same genes, but may have different alleles; the total number equals the diploid number (46 in humans).

What is the haploid number in humans?

The haploid number is half the diploid number,

What happens during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

The cell grows and carries out normal functions, preparing for DNA synthesis.

What is a ribosome composed of?

Ribosomes are formed from RNA and proteins.

What is the difference between diploid and haploid numbers in human cells?

Diploid number is 46 chromosomes, while haploid number is 23 chromosomes.

What is the significance of hydrogen bonds between bases in DNA?

They provide stability to the DNA molecule while allowing it to unzip during replication.

What is the function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

DNA polymerase joins adjacent nucleotides to form the new strand of DNA by creating phosphodiester bonds.