DNA & Proteins Flashcards
What are chromosomes ?
Thread-like structures containing many genes stored in the nucleus of cells.
What are genes made up of ?
a chain of DNA bases
What does DNA stand for ?
deoxyribonuleic acid
Describe the structure of DNA?
Double helix with two strands held together by weak hydrogen bonds between the bases.
What are the base pairs described as?
specific base pairs
What pairs with adenine?
thymine
What pairs with cytosine ?
guanine
What pairs with thymine ?
adenine
What pairs with guanine ?
cytosine
What is the genetic code? (remember BAP)
The order of DNA bases encodes information for the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
The sequence of amino acids dictates the structure and function of these proteins.
How does a gene codes fora particular protein ?
By making a messenger molecule which is complementary to a strand of DNA. Which is called mRNA.
What does mRNA carry?
a copy of the DNA genetic code from the nucleus into the cytoplasm of a cell.
What happens when mRNA meets a ribosome in the cytoplasm?
the amino acids become assembled to make a protein.
What does the structure of DNA determine?
The mRNA sequence which will encode information for a particular amino acid which dictates the structure and function of a protein.
Name 4 types of proteins ?
Structural
Hormones
Defensive
Enzymatic
