Chapter 10

Nucleic acids

Macromolecules composed of monomers called nucleotides; examples include DNA and RNA.

Monomer of DNA

Nucleotide, composed of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.

Monomer of RNA

Nucleotide, composed of a phosphate group, a sugar (ribose), and a nitrogenous base.

Double-helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two intertwined spirals formed by the strands of nucleotides.

Backbone of DNA

Made up of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups.

Base-pairing rules (Chargaff's rules)

A pairs with T and G pairs with C in DNA; ensures proper structural pairing.

Semiconservative model

The model of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA sequences.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA, generating millions of copies.

Gel electrophoresis

A method for separating DNA fragments based on size by applying an electric current through a gel.

Introns

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

Exons

Coding regions of RNA that are retained during RNA processing.

Ribosome

Cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs, consisting of rRNA and proteins.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon on mRNA.

Eukaryotic transcription location

Occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic translation location

Occurs in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and growth.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or function.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Enzyme

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, speeding them up by lowering activation energy.

Induced mutations

Mutations that result from exposure to external factors or agents.