CH 3 Nucleic Acids and The Encoding of Biological Info Flashcards
Define mutation
A rare error that takes place during the DNA replication process
What is RNA?
An intermediary molecule responsible for translation
What is transcription?
Genetic information of a molecule is used as a template to generate a molecule of RNA
Define gene expression
Production of a functional gene product
Define translation
RNA is used as a code for the sequence of amino aids in a protein
What is the purpose of DNA?
Stores genetic informationTransmits informationEasily and accurately replicatedIndirectly directs cellular activity
What is a nucleotide?
DNA structural sub unit consists of a sugar, base and phosphate groupSugar and phosphate group forms the back boneBase gives the nucleotide it’s chemical identity
What is a nucleoside?
A combination of a sugar and a base
Define a phosphodiester bond
Is a C-O-P-O-C linkage that bonds the DNA togetherStable bond that resists heat and changes in PH
Why are the major and minor grooves important?
Outside contours of the twisted double helix important for the proteins who interact with DNA to recognize a particular sequence
What are the complimentary bases?
A to T requires two H-bondsC to G requires one H-bonds
What is base stacking?
Is the stabilizing force that occurs between the bases. Flat surfaces of the bases stick together away from the water molecule as they are hydrophobic
What is the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryote DNA?
Prokaryote DNA is circular and eukaryote DNA is linear
Define topoisomerases
Enzymes that cleave, partially unwind and reattach a DNA strand
What is a chromatin and it’s associated histome?
DNA plus it’s associated proteins( histomes)Histomes are proteins rich in (+) charged amino acids