Week 1 Flashcards
Describe the structural features of DNA and explain their relationship to DNA’s function Understand the function of the three main forms of RNA (mRNA, rRNA and tRNA) and identify the key differences between RNA and DNA Describe the steps in transcription, RNA processing, and translation Evaluate scientific models of the gene expression process and recognise their role in communicating scientific concepts (34 cards)
What is adenine?
A nitrogenous base that pairs with thymine in DNA.
What are amino acids?
Building blocks (monomer) of proteins.
What is an anti-codon?
Group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to an mRNA codon.
What is condensation polymerisation?
The joining of monomers to create a polymer, with the elimination of a small molecule such as water.
What is cytosine?
A nitrogenous base that pairs with guanine in DNA.
What is Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)?
A double-stranded, helical nucleic acid molecule that stores genetic information.
What is DNA ligase?
An enzyme that connects two fragments of DNA to make a single fragment.
What is DNA polymerase?
An enzyme involved in DNA replication that joins individual nucleotides to produce a DNA molecule.
What is an exon?
A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.
What is gene expression?
The process by which the information contained within a gene becomes a useful product (usually a protein).
What is guanine?
A nitrogenous base that pairs with cytosine in DNA.
What is an intron?
A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule that does not code for proteins and interrupts the sequence of genes.
What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?
Form of RNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
What is a molecule?
A group of atoms bonded together.
What is a monomer?
A molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
What is mRNA capping?
The RNA is capped at the 5’ end. The cap protects the mRNA from enzyme attack and contributes to its stability.
What is an mRNA poly-A tail?
A sequence of around 200 adenine nucleotides added onto the 3’ end of a mRNA molecule.
What does nitrogenous mean?
Containing nitrogen.
What are nucleic acids?
Molecules that store information in a chemical code that directs the machinery of the cell to produce proteins.
What is a nucleotide?
Monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
What is a polymer?
A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical monomers linked together.
What is pre-mRNA?
Precursor mRNA; the first strand of mRNA produced by gene transcription that contains both introns and exons.
What is Ribonucleic acid (RNA)?
A single-stranded nucleic acid molecule that reads and carries genetic information around the cell.
What is ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
Form of RNA that makes up the major part of a ribosome.
