DNA Flashcards
What is DNA
It is a complex molecule which stores genetic information in its sequence of bases.
What does DNA determine?
- The organism’s genotype
2. The structure of the protein
What is one molecule of DNA made up of?
It’s made up of 2 strands coiled together to form a double helix.
What is each strand of the double helix made up of?
Each strand of the double helix is made up of nucleotides.
What are nucleotides linked together to form?
A sugar-phosphate backbone
How are nucleotides linked?
The deoxyribose sugar of one nucleotide is linked to the phosphate group of the next by a strong chemical bond
How are the strands connected to each other?
By weak hydrogen bonds which form between the complementary pairs of bases
What are the 4 Bases that make up the DNA?
Adenine(A)
Thymine(T)
Cytosine(C)
Guanine(G)
Which base always pairs with which?
Adenine always pairs with thymine (A-T)
Cytosine always pairs with guanine
C-G
What does this mean that 2 bases are always pairs?
Each strand of DNA in a double helix is complementary to each other
What are antiparallel strands?
The stands run in opposite directions
Describe Antiparallel strands
One strand has a deoxyribose at one end of the molecule (3’ end)
But it’s complementary strand has a phosphate group at the same end of the molecule (5’end).
