Module 8: V1 - V4 Flashcards
What is the structure of DNA?
double-helix
How does DNA encode information?
the balance between A=T and G=C pairs
Which biological processes involve DNA?
transcription, replication, recombination, repair and regulation
What biological processes is RNA involved in?
transcription, replication, translation, regulation and viruses
Which types of structures does RNA often form?
hairpins and loops
also complex 3D structures such as tRNA
What are nucleotides for?
components for RNA and DNA
used for energy storage e.g. ATP
cofactors in metabolism e.g. NAD+ and FAD+
Which nucleotides are purines?
nucleotides with a double-ring structure
Which nucleotides are pyrimidines?
nucleotides with a single-ring structure
What is the 5’ and 3’ end of DNA?
the 5’ end terminates at 5C and the 3’ end terminates at a phosphate group
Why is A always paired with T and G always paired with C?
this is because purines must always be matched up with pyrimidines
How many hydrogen bonds are there between A and T?
two
How many hydrogen bonds are there between G and C?
three
When does a cell replicate its DNA?
during the S (DNA synthesis) phase
What is DNA synthesised by?
DNA polymerases
What is the role of DNA polymerase III?
the main polymerase in DNA replication