Biology: DNA Structure and Function

DNA is a double helix, formed by two strands twisted together.

DNA is primarily found in the cell nucleus, with a smaller amount outside in organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

The basic building block of DNA is a nucleotide.

A nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose.

Phosphate groups and sugars are connected by strong bonds, forming DNA chains.

DNA carries the instructions for making proteins and other cell components, passed to offspring.

Genetic information passed down from parents to offspring.

A eukaryotic cell's control center, containing the genetic material (DNA) and surrounded by a double nuclear membrane with pores.

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus, controlling what enters and exits.

The jelly-like fluid inside the nucleus.

A structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes, containing nucleotides.

The building block of DNA and RNA, composed of a phosphate, sugar, and nitrogenous base.

Deoxyribonucleic acid; carries the genetic code for protein synthesis.

DNA located within the nucleus of a cell.

An organic molecule, like DNA or RNA, that carries genetic information.

Adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) are the four types of nitrogenous bases that form the building blocks of DNA.

Adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine in DNA.

DNA carries hereditary information, controls cell functions, regulates genes, and passes on traits.

The twisted ladder-like shape of a DNA molecule.

Parts of DNA that do not code for proteins or traits; the function is not yet fully understood.

mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

rRNA forms ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis.

tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome to build proteins.

mRNA is formed in the nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm to ribosomes.

rRNA is located within ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Both RNA and DNA share the same nitrogenous bases: adenine, guanine, and cytosine, as well as alternating phosphate and sugar.

The creation of proteins involves two main stages: transcription and translation. Transcription copies DNA into mRNA in the nucleus, and translation uses mRNA to assemble amino acids into a protein in the cytoplasm.

Transcription, the process of copying DNA into mRNA, occurs within the nucleus of a cell.

Translation, the process of building a protein using mRNA, takes place in the cytoplasm of a cell.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching them to the codons on mRNA.

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on a DNA strand. They provide the code for protein synthesis.

The first phase of protein synthesis where DNA is used as a template to create mRNA. The genetic code is transferred from DNA to mRNA.

The second phase of protein synthesis where mRNA is translated into a protein. Amino acids are linked together according to the code carried by mRNA.

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on mRNA, corresponding to a specific amino acid.

Three consecutive nitrogenous bases on tRNA that are complementary to a codon on mRNA.

A type of chemical bond that links amino acids together to form proteins.

The specific sequence and arrangement of amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein.

The process of creating proteins from DNA involves two stages: transcription and translation. DNA provides the code, which is copied onto mRNA (transcription). Then, mRNA is read by ribosomes, and amino acids are linked together to form a protein (translation).