DNA and Proteins Flashcards
What is the structure of DNA?
DNA is a double-helix composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base (A, T, C, G)
What are the complementary base pairs in DNA?
Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
What is the process of DNA replication?
DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesised strand.
How does RNA differ from DNA?
RNA is single-stranded, contains ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose, and has Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T).
What is transcription?
The process where DNA is used as a template to synthesise mRNA in the nucleus.
What is translation?
The process where ribosomes read mRNA to assemble amino acids into a protein using tRNA.
What are codons and anticodons?
A codon is a three-base sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid, while an anticodon is a complementary three-base sequence on tRNA.
What are the three types of RNA and their functions?
mRNA (messenger RNA) carries genetic instructions, tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids, and rRNA (ribosomal RNA) forms ribosomes.
What are mutations?
Changes in DNA sequence that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
What are the different types of mutations?
Substitution, insertion, and deletion. Frameshift mutations (insertion/deletion) can be more damaging.
What enzymes are involved in DNA replication?
Helicase unwinds DNA, DNA polymerase builds new strands, and ligase seals gaps.
What is gene expression?
The process where genetic information is used to produce proteins, influenced by environmental and regulatory factors.
What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology?
DNA → RNA → Protein; information flows from DNA to RNA through transcription and from RNA to protein through translation.
What are genetic disorders?
Diseases caused by mutations or abnormalities in DNA, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.
