DNA Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA structure and function, including terms related to DNA, its components, and important scientific contributions.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell.

DNA

A molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA, which carries genetic information.

Gene

A segment of DNA that determines a specific trait, such as eye color.

Nitrogenous base

The part of a nucleotide that carries genetic information; includes adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Sugar-phosphate backbone

The structural framework of nucleic acids, composed of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak attractions that hold the nitrogen bases together in the DNA double helix.

Covalent bonds

Strong bonds that hold the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA together.

Chargaff's Rule

A rule stating that the amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine, and the amount of cytosine equals the amount of guanine.

Blueprint

A reference to DNA's role in storing and transmitting genetic information necessary for growth and development.

Adenine - Thymine

Base pair that forms hydrogen bonds in DNA.

Cytosine - Guanine

Base pair that forms hydrogen bonds in DNA.

Parts of a DNA nucleotide

Consists of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base.

The sequence of nitrogen bases

Determines the order of amino acids in proteins.

Monomers of DNA

The building blocks of DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), guanine (G).