DNA Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to DNA structure and function, transcription, translation, gene regulation, mutations, and protein synthesis.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that stores genetic instructions for all living things, dictating growth, development, and functioning.

Double Helix

The shape of DNA, resembling a twisted ladder, with rungs made of nucleotide base pairs.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Base Pairing

The specific pairing of adenine with thymine and guanine with cytosine in DNA.

Adenine (A)

A purine nitrogenous base that pairs with thymine in DNA.

Thymine (T)

A pyrimidine nitrogenous base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Cytosine (C)

A pyrimidine nitrogenous base that pairs with guanine in DNA.

Guanine (G)

A purine nitrogenous base that pairs with cytosine in DNA.

Antiparallel Strands

The orientation of the two strands in a DNA molecule, running in opposite directions.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins based on the RNA sequence.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A molecule that helps convert genetic instructions from DNA into proteins.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

The type of RNA that carries the genetic message from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

The type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA during transcription.

Exons and Introns

Exons are coding sequences in RNA that are expressed, while introns are non-coding sequences that are removed.

Codon

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

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming proteins.

Gene Regulation

The mechanisms that govern the expression of genes, determining whether a gene is active or not.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein function or regulation.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides that alters the reading frame of the gene.

Substitution Mutation

A mutation caused by replacing one nucleotide with another, potentially altering a single amino acid.