dna and genes. Flashcards
understand the dna and genetics structure.
what is DNA?
a molecule that carries genetic information, it serves as the blueprint for all living things, inherited from parents.
what does DNA determine?
DNA determines how our bodies/organisms develop and function.
It determines the order of amino acids that will join to produce proteins.
what does the protein do?
the protein produced helps make cells, which then form tissues, organs and then entire living organisms.
what is the structure of DNA
DNA has a double helix structure
what are the characteristics of DNA structure?
double helix, backbone, base pairs, genes, base and nucleotide.
what is a double helix?
the twisted structure of the DNA molecule, similar to a ladder.
what is a backbone?
2 chains that twist around each other.
what is a base pair?
two bases that combine together
what does adenine pair with?
thymine
what does thymine pair with?
adenine
what does guanine pair with?
cytosine
what does cytosine pair with?
guanine
where are genes on the structure?
genes are sequences of DNA arranged one after another at specific locations on chromosomes.
what are the 4 bases?
adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine
what is a gene?
A section of DNA that codes for a specific trait, and contains the instructions for making proteins.
genes are passed down from parent to child.
what are genes essential for?
they are essential for structure, function and regulation of the bodyβs cells, tissues and organs.
what is a nucleotide?
A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA).
what consists of a nucleotide?
nucleotides consist of a sugar molecule (either ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA) attached to a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base.
what is RNA?
Its principal role is to act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins
what are the different types of RNA?
mRNA, rRna and tRNA
what is mRNA?
messenger RNA: carries a message based of DNA and takes it to a ribosome to make protein.
how are genes related to DNA and molecules?
Genes are made up of DNA. Some genes act as instructions to make molecules called proteins, which are needed for the body to function.
