DNA the Molecule Flashcards
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Define the term DNA?
DNA is the carrier of genetic information. It is a self-replicating material that is present in living organisms’ cells that have a nucleus and is the main part of chromosomes.
What DNA model do we use today?
The Watson-Crick DNA model was founded in 1953.
What are the four bases in DNA?
Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine.
What is a nucleotide composed of?
- Phosphate group
- Deoxyribose sugar
- One of four nitrogen-rich bases (A,T,C,G)
What are the complementary base pairs?
- Adenine and Thymine
- Guanine and Cytosine
Where are chromosomes found?
Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of a cell and carry strands of DNA.
What are sex chromosomes?
They are one pair of chromosomes that define whether you are male or female.
How many chromosomes and pairs do we have?
46 chromosomes, 22 pairs with 1 pair of sex chromosomes.
What are autosomal chromosomes?
Autosomal chromosomes are the 44 chromosomes or 22 pairs that don’t include the sex chromosomes.
What chromosome pairs do females have?
Females have homologous sex chromosomes, XX.
What chromosome pairs do males have?
Males have XY sex chromosomes.
What are homologous chromosomes?
Homologous chromosomes are identical copies of each other, same length and attached at a centromere. They have genes located in the same spot on both of them.
What are genes?
Genes are sections of DNA arranged along the chromosomes. The order of the bases along the DNA strand is the genetic code. Each gene codes for a specific protein/characteristic.
What are the types of proteins?
- Structural, such as collagen (in tendons and ligaments).
- Enzymes, such as amylase (helps digest starches).
- Regulatory, such as growth hormone (stimulates growth and cell reproduction).
