Unit 1.1 DNA and the Genome Flashcards
What forms the genetic code of an organism?
The base sequence of the organism’s DNA
What are the basic units of DNA?
Nucleotides
What makes up a DNA nucleotide?
-Phosphate Group
-Deoxyribose sugar
-One of four complementary bases
What are the rules of complementary base pairing?
Adenine pairs with Thymine and Guanine pairs with Cytosine
What type of bonding holds strands of DNA together?
Weak hydrogen bonding between the complementary bases.
What type of bonding holds nucleotides together?
Covalent bonding
What does the term Antiparallel mean in relation to DNA strands?
Strands of DNA will be running in opposite directions, one strand running in a 5’ to 3’ direction and the other strand running in a 3’ to 5’ direction.
What do we call the shape of DNA?
Double stranded helix
What is the organisation of DNA like in Prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotes have a singular circular chromosome and smaller circular loops of DNA called plasmids.
What is the organisation of DNA like in Eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotes all have linear chromosomes stored in their nucleus, these linear chromosomes are tightly wrapped around histone proteins.
Do Eukaryotes contain circular chromosomes and if so where can they be found?
Yes Eukaryotes contain circular chromosomes in their mitochondria and chloroplasts.
What type of Eukaryote contains plasmids?
Yeast
