Nucleic Acids 3 Key Words

Question 1

Mutation

Answer 1

Change in genetic material may affect phenotype of organism

Question 2

Genetic code

Answer 2

Base sequence in DNA - instructions for sequence of amino acids in protein synthesis

Question 3

Triplet code

Answer 3

Genetic code is sequence of three nucleic acid bases, called a codon, each codes for one amino acid.

Question 4

Codon

Answer 4

Three base sequence of DNA or RNA that codes for an amino acid.

Question 5

Gene

Answer 5

DNA section contains complete sequence of bases to code for a protein.

Question 6

Degenerate code

Answer 6

Many amino acids coded for by multiple codons. Mutation leads to base change, but not necessarily to an amino acid change (if both code for the same amino acid)

Question 7

Start codon

Answer 7

Codon signals beginning of a gene. ATG in DNA/AUG in RNA

Question 8

Transcription

Answer 8

Process of copying DNA base sequence sections to produce smaller molecules of mRNA which can be transported out of nucleus via nuclear pores to protein synthesis site.

Question 9

Sense strand

Answer 9

DNA strand runs from 5’ to 3’, contains genetic code for protein

Question 10

Antisense strand

Answer 10

DNA strand runs from 3’ to 5’ and so complementary to sense strand. Acts as template during transcription.

Question 11

Template strand

Answer 11

Antisense DNA strand acts as template during transcription, complementary RNA strand carries same code for protein as DNA sense strand.