Nucleic acids + DNA structure/replication

What is the big idea of nucleic acids?

They store and and use genetic information

What does DNA do?

DNA stores genetic instructions (the “blueprint”)

What does RNA do?

RNA helps use DNA’s instructions to make proteins

What does ATP do?

ATP is the main energy molecule cells use

What is DNA made of (repeating building blocks)?

Nucleotides

What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide?

Phosphate group + sugar + nitrogen base

What forms the “sides” of the DNA ladder?

The sugar-phosphate backbone

What forms the “rungs” of the DNA ladder?

Base pairs (paired nitrogen bases)

What are the DNA base-pairing rules?

A → T

C → G

What holds DNA base pairs together?

Hydrogen bonds

DNA replication: when does it happen, what happens, and why?

During interphase, DNA makes an identical copy, so new cells get the same DNA