DNA Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the primary role of DNA in reproduction?
Passing on genetic instructions to the next generation
What are the repeating units that make up DNA strands?
Nucleotides
What three components make up a nucleotide?
- Sugar molecule
- Phosphate molecule
- Base
What forms the backbone of DNA strands?
Alternating sugar and phosphate molecules
What are the four different bases that can join to each sugar in a nucleotide?
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
What shape does a DNA molecule take?
Double helix
Which base pairs with adenine (A)?
Thymine (T)
Which base pairs with cytosine (C)?
Guanine (G)
What is the process called when bases pair together in DNA?
Complementary base pairing
What type of bonds join complementary base pairs?
Weak hydrogen bonds
Where are chromosomes located in eukaryotic cells?
In the nucleus
What is a gene?
A section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular protein
What does the sequence of bases in a gene determine?
What protein is produced
What is the complete set of an organism’s DNA called?
Genome
What is the first step in extracting DNA from fruit cells?
Mash some strawberries and mix with detergent and salt
What is the role of detergent in the DNA extraction process?
Breaks down cell membranes to release DNA
What does salt do in the DNA extraction process?
Makes the DNA stick together
What should you do after filtering the mixture in DNA extraction?
Gently add ice-cold alcohol
What happens to DNA when ice-cold alcohol is added?
It precipitates out of the solution as a stringy white solid
Fill in the blank: A gene is a section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular _______.
Protein
True or False: DNA is stored as a single strand in eukaryotic cells.
False
