DNA - The Code of Life Flashcards
Where is most of the DNA molecules in an organism found?
In the nucleus of each cell
What’s another term used to describe DNA molecules?
Double stranded/double helix - meaning that they are held tightly together by bases and twisted.
What is a chromatin
When the cell is not dividing, the coiled DNA forms a tangled network called chromatin.
What is a nucleotide?
When each phosphate group and sugar molecule has a nitrogenous base attached to it, is called a nucleotide.
Name the 4 bases and their grouped pairs
Adenine and thymine
Cytosine and guanine
Why is replication important?
Replication is important for reproduction of a cell and must occur every time a cell divides. That way, each cell has a complete set of instructions for making proteins.
What is a gene?
Are sections of the DNA molecule which contain the genetic code of stored information that determines the structure and function of the cell.
What is the DNA molecule made up of?
It is made up of 2 strands which are made up of alternating sugars and phosphates.
What are nucleotides referred to as?
They’re referred to as the building block of DNA
What is the role of DNA in the cell?
- The genetic code in DNA provides the instructions for protein synthesis
- joining amino acids together to make proteins: structural material of cells and control chemical reactions (enzymes).
What does DNA contain?
DNA contains the genetic information which determines the structure of the cell and the way that it functions
DNA is made up of what? What are the parts of this structure?
DNA is made up of nucleotides.
Nucleotides have 3 parts: simple sugars, phosphate group, nitrogen base
Where does DNA replication occur?
DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
What is the replication of DNA termed (theory)?
Semi conservative
Why is the replication of DNA semi conservative?
It is semi conservative since each new cell contains one strand of original DNA and one newly synthesised strand to DNA
