What happens in cells (B1.2) Flashcards
Chromosome
a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
Genes
Short sections of DNA that code for a characteristic.
Structure of DNA
The DNA molecule is a double helix and has two strands with 4 bases- Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine.The sides of the double helix are made from phosphate and sugar.
Nucleotide
a compound consisting of a nucleoside linked to a phosphate group. Nucleotides form the basic structural unit of nucleic acids such as DNA.
Polymer
A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical monomers linked together.
monomer
a molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
Base pairings
A-T
C-G
Complementary base pairing
When the bases always bond together in the same formation
mRNA (Messenger RNA)
The form of RNA which is created as a blueprint from DNA; carries instructions for making a protein
Transcription
How mRNA is made
The DNA around a gene unzips so that both strands are separated . One of the DNA strands acts as a template. Complementary bases attach to the strand being copied. When done, the mRNA detaches itself from the the DNA template and the DNA zips back up.
There is no Thymine in mRNA, so a base called Uracil (U) binds with Adenine
Translation
How proteins are made
The ribosome reads the nucleotides in groups of 3. These groups are called base triplets or codons. Each codon codes for a specific amino acid.
The ribosome continues to read the codons, adding more and more amino acids
The amino acids join together in a chain. This is called a protein.
Enzyme
A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being used up.
Changes/temperature with enzymes
As the activity increases, the temperature inclines
