DNA: The Code of Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA and RNA, including their structures, functions, and processes involved in protein synthesis.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers present in living cells that consist of many nucleotides linked in a chain.

Nucleotide

A small unit or building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis.

Double Helix

The natural shape of DNA, formed by two strands that wind around each other.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein or controls an inherited characteristic.

Chromatin

A mass of thread-like structures in a non-dividing cell formed by DNA.

DNA Replication

The process of making an identical copy of DNA before cell division.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of decoding mRNA to form proteins at the ribosome.

Non-coding DNA

DNA that does not code for protein synthesis, making up over 98% of the genome.

Junk DNA

Non-coding DNA with no known functions, although it may have regulatory roles.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

RNA that is part of the structure of ribosomes.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

RNA that carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

RNA that carries specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond that holds the paired nitrogenous bases in a DNA molecule.

Centromere

The region that holds chromatids together in a chromosome.

Peptide bond

The bond that holds amino acids together in a protein.