DNA Flashcards
ribosome
made up of protein and RNA, the site of protein synthesis
nucleus
control centre of the cell, carries chromosomes and DNA
centriole
used to reproduce. releases long fibres called microtubules that split apart during cell divison
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
what is DNA
blueprint for controlling the characteristics of organisms
DNA shape
double helix
components of the polynucleotide chain
made up of two backbones of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate molecules. Between these two strands of sugar and phosphate lies a pair of nitrogenous bases.
bases
Cytosine, Guanine, Adenine and Thymine.
The bases attach to the deoxyribose molecules and arrange themselves in base pairs
base pairs
C - G, A - T
nucleotide
structure that is composed of a deoxyribose, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base. The DNA is made up of a long polymer of nucleotides.
characteristics of organisms
determined by the sequence of base pairs
controversy of the double helix discovery by Watson, Crick and Franklin
Franklin died in 1958 of an ovarian cancer after repeated exposure to X-ray in her laboratory.
Watson and Crick received the Nobel prize in 1962 for discovering the structure of the double helix and its role in heredity.
Rosalind was not given a medal since a Nobel prize can only be given to three recipients.
(Furthermore, the rule to award a Nobel prize posthumously was eliminated.)
chromosome
A chromosome is a long chain of DNA. It is found inside the nucleus of a cell.
where is DNA found in a chromosome
The DNA is wrapped or coiled around proteins known as histones which provides structural support. These proteins play a role whether certain characteristics are expressed or not.
chromatin fibre
A chromosome is made up of a chromatin fibre which is a DNA strand wrapped around proteins molecules called histones to help with the packaging of the genetic material.
