Structure And Function Of DNA, RNA, Genes And Chromosomes Flashcards
Describe the function of genes
To govern the order in which amino acids are arranged to build a particular type of protein molecule with a specific shape and size that either:
-Structural protein that forms part of the cell
-functional protein with a role in the life of the cell
-special protein such as hormone
Describe the structure of RNA. Name the 3 types of RNA.
Ribonucleic acid is a single strand / molecular chain of nucleotides. It contains a phosphate group, ribose sugar and a nitrogenous base (A-T-C-G)
Messenger RNA (mRNA) - which is synthesised from DNA in the nucleus by a process called transcription, moves into the cytoplasm and engages with the ribosome which translates the base sequence on the mRNA.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) - made in the nucleus, moves to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm where it transfers amino acids to the ribosome.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) - found only in the ribosomes where it links amino acids together for protein synthesis.
Describe the structure of a gene
Genes are a group of DNA, made from codons that code for a protein. Codons are a triplet grouping of bases
Describe the function of DNA
Stores all of the genetic information that an organism needs to develop, function and reproduce.
It’s double strands allows it to replicate easily.
Describe the function of RNA
To perform vital roles in the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes
Describe the structure of DNA
DNA contains a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar and a base (A-T-C-G). It a double stranded and is coiled, held together with a hydrogen bond.
Describe the structure of a chromosome
Chromosomes contains two sets of genes - known as alleles - from one for each parents.
It contains a centromere, two chromatids containing DNA and chromatin.
Describe the function of chromosomes
Chromosomes allow DNA to be accurately copied during these cell divisions.
