DNA structure and replication Flashcards
What does DNA stand for
Deoxyribonucleic acid
What is DNA made of
DNA is made of small molecules called nucleotides
What are the three nucleuotides called
A Phosphate group
A Deoxyribose sugar
A Nitrogenous base
How are nucleotides arranged
Nucleotides are arranged in a spiral structure called a double helix
What does the sugar and phosphate make up in DNA
They make up the sides of the ladder
What do nitrogenous bases make up in DNA
They make up the steps of the ladder
What are all four Nitrogenous Bases
Adenine
Thymine
Guanine
Cytosine
How do Nitrogenous Bases pair up
Adenine (A) Pairs with Thymine and Cystoside (C) pairs with Guanine
A - T
C - G
What are the three stages of DNA replication
Step one : Straightening and seperation (Unzipping)
Step two : Constructing copies
Step three : Checking for mistakes (proofreading)
How does stage 1 of DNA replication occur
The double helix untwists
Enzyme separates the nitrogenous bases exposing them
How does stage 2 of DNA replication occur
Free nucleotides connect to the exposed nitrogenous bases following the pairing rules AT and CG. This forms 2 identical DNA strands
How does stage 3 of DNA replication occur
two double helixes are formed and they are both proofread by enzymes
Any mistakes are corrected