nucleotides & ATP Flashcards
nucleic acids
the group of organic compounds consisting of DNA, RNA and ATP
DNA
the molecule that stores the genetic information required to synthesis proteins
RNA
number of functions:
- carrying the genetic information from the nucleus to ribosomes
- forms tRNA molecules which carry amino acids
- component of ribosomes
ATP
small molecules with high energy store that can be transferred to metabolic processes
nucleotide
consists of a pentose sugar, phosphate group and a nitrogenous base
nitrogenous base
adenine
thymine
cytosine
uracil
pentose
five carbon sugar
phosphate group
molecule consisting of phosphate and several oxygen atoms
highly polar
antiparallel
2 DNA strands run parallel to each other but in opposite directions
complementary
base pairs are complementary to each other
purine
nitrogenous base with double ring structure
pyrimidine
nitrogenous base with single ring structure
DNA replication
DNA replicated itself to form 2 identical copies
during S-phase of interphase
semi-conservative
2 daughter strands are composed of one original strand and a newly synthesised strand
helicase
enzyme that unzips the double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complimentary base pairs
DNA polymerase
enzyme that links new nucleotides together to form a new strand
forms phosphodiester bonds
nucleoplasm
the region inside the nucleus where reactions occur
free nucleotides
replication fork
the point where the DNA is unzipped for replication
DNA ligase
forms phosphodiester bond that links together the 2 DNA strands
transcription
the synthesis of mRNA copied by the DNA base sequence by RNA polymerase
mRNA
messenger RNA
carries genetic code from nucleus to ribosomes
RNA polymerase
