2.3 nucleic acids Flashcards
what is a gene?
a length of DNA that codes for a polypeptide or length of RNA
why do you add ethanol when extracting DNA?
so the DNA forms a precipitate
why do you add pineapple juice when extracting DNA?
- a source of protease enzymes
they break down the proteins associated with the DNA is the nuclei
why do you add salt when extracting DNA?
To break down the hyrodgen bonds between the DNA and water molecules
why do you add washing-up liquid when extracting DNA?
to break down the cell membrane
why do you grind your sample when extracting DNA?
to break down the cell walls
What are mutations?
a change in the genetic code, leading to a change in the structure of the protein
what elements make up nucleic acids?
- Hydrogen
- Carbon
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
What is a codon?
a triplet of bases on mRNA
What is an anticodon?
a triplet of bases on tRNA
What is a base triplet?
a triplet of bases on DNA
Why is DNA universal?
almost all living organisms have the same genetic code
why is DNA degenerate?
each amino acid has more than 1 codon
why is DNA non-overlapping?
each base is only part of one codon
what is the structure of DNA?
- 2 polynucleotide chains
- antiparallel
- long