DNA, genes and chromosomes Flashcards
What are the three components of nucleotides?
A pentose sugar, a phosphate group, an organic base.
Describe the structure of DNA.
Made up of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four organic bases (A, C, G, T). It is double-stranded, and hydrogen bonds between bases form a helix shape.
Describe the role of DNA.
Carries genetic information, determines our inherited characteristics.
Describe the structure of RNA.
Made up of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four organic babes (A, C, G, U). It is single stranded.
Describe the role of RNA.
Transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Which bases are purine and which are pyridimine?
- Purine (double ring) = adenine, guanine.
- Pyrimidine (single ring) = cytosine, thymine, uracil.
How is DNA in eukaryotic cells different from in prokaryotic cells?
- Eukaryotic cells = found in nucleus, long and linear