DNA and Genetics Flashcards
Name the four nitrogenous bases in the human genetic structure.
Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine.
Which of those two belong to each of the nitrogenous groups (Purines and Pyrimidines)?
Adenine and Guanine belong to the group Purines, whilst Cytosine and Thymine belong to Pyrimidines.
What are chromosomes?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
What does DNA stand for?
DNA stands for Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid.
What does RNA stand for?
RNA stands for Ribo Nucleic Acid.
What does RNA do?
RNA carries the correct genetic information to complete the replication process once the double helix has been unravelled and “unzipped”.
What is the double helix?
The double helix is the structure formed by two molecular strands of Nucleic Acid intertwining with each other.
What is replication?
Replication is the process in which cells reproduce in the human body.
How does replication work?
Replication begins with the unravelling of the double helix. Once this has occurred, DNA divides the connections made between the nitrogenous bases before RNA carries the correct genetic information to match the disconnected nitrogenous bases.
True or false? Purines can never have a Pyrimidine counterpart.
False. Purines must ALWAYS have a Pyrimidines counterpart.
Briefly, describe how a mutation occurs.
A mutation occurs when something goes wrong with the replication process (i.e RNA bringing incorrect genetic information). As a result, a Purine would have a Purine counterpart, likewise with Pyrimidines.
True or false? Mutations aren’t always bad but the term is implied when an occurrence, out of the ordinary, happens in humans (i.e incorrect genetic information being carried during the replication process).
True.
