chapter 8 Flashcards
Nucleotide
the basic building block of DNA and RNA
Complementary base
Adenine, Thymine, Cystosine, and Guanine. These pair together and make two DNA strands
Semiconservative replication
a model of DNA replication that provides each daughter a molecule with one old strand and one newly synthesized strand
DNA polymerase
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of DNA using a template DNA strand and nucleotides
Chromatin
The complex of DNA and proteins that make up a chromosome
Histones
DNA-binding proteins that help compact and fold DNA into chromosomes
Centromere
the attachment point of sister chromatids and attached to the spindle fibers during mitosis
Telomere
the short repeating sequences at the ends of each chromosome that are necessary for replication
Explain the evidence that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material
Avery Experiment: Separated S cells into chemical components. Each component was mixed with living R cells and injected into mice. Conclusion: DNA carries genetic information
The structure of DNA
- the three main components: phosphate, a base, and sugar
- the Watson and Crick model: two polynucleotide chains in DNA run in opposite directions
- which bases pair: adenine&thymine, cytosine&guanine
What is the difference between DNA and RNA
DNA: doubled-stranded, uses deoxyribose sugar
RNA: single-stranded, uses ribose sugar
How is DNA extensively coiled
multiple levels of coiling of DNA and Proteins, Fiber, Beads on a string, DNA double helix, the core of histones, and lastly nucleosome
Why is DNA extensively coiled
To allow it to fit into the nucleus
