DNA Flashcards

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1
Q

What makes up nucleic acids?

A

-DNA
-RNA

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2
Q

Nucleic acids function

A

Store and transmit the genetic instructions necessary for life to exist and reproduce itself

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3
Q

DNA functions/characteristics

A

-Deoxyribonucleic acid
-Contains the genetic instructions required for all single cell and multi cell life forms to develop, grow, renew, reproduce, defend, and respond to environmental conditions
-The long, polymeric nature of the DNA molecule enables it to store large quantities of genetic instructions

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4
Q

DNA structure

A

-Double helix
-Two complementary strands
-The Deoxyribonucleotide sequence of DNA determines the genetic instructions it stores

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5
Q

Each DNA strand consists of four types of chemical building blocks called

A

Nucleotides
Adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine

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6
Q

The two strands of the helix are held together by what type of bond?

A

Hydrogen bond

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7
Q

Why do all single cell & multi cell species store their genetic instructions in DNA rather than RNA?

A

DNA is more stable than RNA

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8
Q

List reasons why DNA is more stable than RNA

A

-Stable double helix due to hydrogen bonding between the complementary base pairs
-Deoxyribonucleotides in DNA are more stable than ribonucleotides in RNA
-Complementary base pairing

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9
Q

What information is stored in the human genome?

A

-15 genes that code for DNA polymerases
-Consists of all the DNA molecules in the nucleus and the mitochondrion

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10
Q

Which monosaccharide is in every deoxyribonucleotide?

A

Deoxyribose

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11
Q

What gives DNA its negative electrical charge?

A

The phosphate group

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12
Q

Where is DNA located in human cells and other animal cells? In plant cells?

A

-Nucleus, mitochondrion
-Chloroplast

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13
Q

How many hydrogen bonds are formed between each complementary base pair?

A

-Adenine forms 2 hydrogen bonds with thymine
-Cytosine forms 3 hydrogen bonds with guanine

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14
Q

Which property of the double helix facilitates DNA replication and repair?

A

The rules of complementary base pairing

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15
Q

What is the sequence of the complementary DNA strand?

A

-The two strands must be in the opposite 5’ to 3’ orientation to interact
-Template (parent) strand: runs 3’ to 5’
-New strand: runs 5’ to 3’
-DNAP can only add nucleotides to the 3’ end of the growing strand

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16
Q

Why does the nucleus in your cells contain multiple DNA repair enzymes?

A

-There are ≥169 enzymes in the nucleus that participate in DNA repair
-DNA repair enzymes constantly scan DNA molecules to detect and correct mutations
-Synthesize DNA (DNAP)
-Synthesize deoxyribonucleotides (A, C, G, T)
-Repair mutations in DNA

17
Q

Why do some women take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy?

A

-Folic acid (vitamin B9 - water soluble) is required to make thymine for DNA synthesis
-Folic acid deficiency may result in abnormal human development (spina bifida, anencephaly)

18
Q

The nucleotide sequences of DNA molecules store a variety of instructions:

A

-Make every protein required by cells
-Make every specialized RNA molecule required by cells
-Regulate the activation/deactivation of all genes
-Replicate all DNA molecules
-Position all DNA molecules correctly in the nucleus
-Protect the ends of linear DNA molecules
-Ensure that DNA molecules are accurately distributed during cell division

19
Q

Phosphate group charge

A

Negative

20
Q

What atom makes deoxyribose more stable than ribose

A

Hydrogen atom

21
Q

Pyrimidines

A

-1 ring
-Cytosine (DNA, RNA)
-Thymine (DNA)
-Uracil (RNA)

22
Q

Purines

A

-2 fused chemical rings
-Adenine (DNA, RNA)
-Guanine (DNA, RNA)

23
Q

How are DNA molecules synthesized?

A

DNA polymerases link the deoxyribonucleotides together in a precise order
-Follow the rules of complementary base pairing

24
Q

DNAP enzymes

A

Have a proofreading ability that enables them to correct their mistakes

25
Q

Where is DNA synthesized in human cells?

A

Nucleus, mitochondria

26
Q

A mutation is:

A

A change in nucleotide sequence

27
Q

The nucleus contains:

A

-46 linear chromosomes consisting of DNA and histone proteins
-23 from mom, 23 from dad
~19,000 protein coding genes
~29,000 RNA coding genes

28
Q

The mitochondrial genome consists of:

A

-13 protein coding genes
-24 RNA coding genes

29
Q

The nucleus and mitochondrion contain all the enzymes required to:

A

-Replicate DNA
-Repair DNA
-Make deoxyribonucleotides

30
Q

Gene

A

A nucleotide sequence in DNA that contains the instructions to make a protein or specialized RNA molecule like transfer RNA

31
Q

Each chromatin molecule consists of

A

A DNA molecule and histone proteins

32
Q

What is required for nucleotide synthesis, DNA + RNA synthesis, and human development?

A

-Complete nutrition
-Amino acids
-Aspartic acids
-Glutamine

33
Q
A