science ch 5 Flashcards
What is a gene?
one set of instructions for an inherited trait
RNA
ribonucleic acid, a natural polymer that is present in all living cells and that plays a role in protein synthesis.
What does A,T,G,C stand for in the DNA molecule?
Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine
nucleotide
subunits that make up DNA. Any group of molecules that when linked together form the building blocks for RNA and DNA.
ribosome
cell organelle that consists of RNA and proteins. Protein synthesis takes place here. *
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid- A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell and is capable of self-replication and synthesis of RNA.
DNA consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and joined by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine.
mutation
change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information
substitution
this is when the wrong base is used within a DNA
proteins
DNA is often wound around these. They are also known as chemical triggers for many processes within cells.
insertion
this is when an extra base is added to a DNA
deletion
this is when a base is left out of a DNA
guanine
The nitrogen base that pairs with cytosine in DNA
chromosomes
any of the rod-shaped or threadlike DNA-containing structures of cellular organisms that are located in the nucleus of eukaryotes, are usually ring-shaped in prokaryotes (as bacteria), and contain all or most of the genes of the organism;
replication
the process of making a copy
amino acid
Basic building block of proteins. made up of three bases.
mutagen
physical or chemical agent that causes mutations in DNA.
thymine
The nitrogen base that pairs with adenine (found only in DNA)
