Biology Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonuclear Acid

Double Helix Acid

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (correct)

Ribonucleic Acid

What is a gene?

A unit of heredity transferred from parent to offspring.

What is the main function of the nucleus?

It is the central part of a cell that controls activities.

What is the structure of DNA known as?

Double Helix Signup and view all the answers

What sugar is found in DNA?

Deoxyribose Signup and view all the answers

What are nitrogen bases?

Molecules that are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond holds the DNA strands together?

Hydrogen Bond Signup and view all the answers

What does replication refer to in biology?

The action of copying DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chargaff's Rule state?

The amount of guanine equals cytosine, and the amount of adenine equals thymine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'antiparallel' in DNA?

Strands of DNA run in opposite directions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleotide?

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is interphase?

The resting phase of a cell cycle between divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA helicase?

Enzyme that unwinds DNA strands during replication. Signup and view all the answers

What role does DNA polymerase play?

It synthesizes new DNA strands. Signup and view all the answers

What is cell division?

The process of a cell splitting into two daughter cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is transcription?

The process of copying DNA into RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during translation?

Ribosomes create proteins from RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides that form a genetic code unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is an anticodon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with mRNA codons. Signup and view all the answers

What is tRNA?

Transfer RNA that links mRNA to amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is mRNA?

Messenger RNA that conveys genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is RNA polymerase?

Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ribosome?

A particle that synthesizes proteins from RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Involved in secretion and transport within cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

Network of tubules in eukaryotic cells for synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a start codon?

The first codon of mRNA that initiates translation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a stop codon?

UAG, UAA, or UGA; signals the end of translation. Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations?

Changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are substitution mutations?

Mutations where one base is replaced by another. Signup and view all the answers

What are insertion mutations?

Mutations involving the addition of DNA segments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a frameshift mutation?

Mutation that shifts the reading frame of genetic code. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA and Genetic Information

DNA is a self-replicating molecule found in all living organisms, key to genetic information.
Genes are units of heredity that determine traits passed from parents to offspring.
The structure of DNA is a double helix, comprising two intertwined helices.

Molecular Components and Processes

Nucleotides are the basic units of nucleic acids, composed of a nucleoside and a phosphate group.
Deoxyribose is the sugar component of DNA, modified from ribose.
Nitrogen bases are critical for DNA and RNA structure, including adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Key Biological Processes

Replication is the process of copying DNA before cell division.
Transcription is the first step in gene expression, where DNA is copied to RNA by RNA polymerase.
Translation involves ribosomes converting mRNA into proteins, following the genetic instructions.

Structure and Function

Hydrogen bonds connect nitrogen bases, maintaining DNA's double helix structure.
The nucleus houses DNA and is vital for cellular functions and growth.
Ribosomes are responsible for polypeptide synthesis, linking amino acids as dictated by mRNA.

Cell Division and Genetic Variability

Cell division results in two daughter cells with identical genetic material.
Interphase is the phase of preparation for cell division between mitotic cycles.
Mutations, including substitutions, insertions, and frameshift mutations, contribute to genetic diversity and evolution.

Codons and Translation Mechanism

Codons consist of three nucleotides, coding for specific amino acids in protein synthesis.
Anticodons in tRNA match codons in mRNA, ensuring correct protein assembly.
The start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of translation, while stop codons (UAG, UAA, UGA) terminate protein synthesis.

Cellular Organelles

The Golgi apparatus processes and transports proteins and lipids within cells.
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes involved in lipid and protein synthesis, usually ribosome-studded.

Chargaff's Rule

Chargaff's rule establishes that DNA must maintain a 1:1 ratio of purines (adenine and guanine) to pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine).

Antiparallel Structure

DNA strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel), which is essential for replication and transcription fidelity.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these Biology flashcards focused on essential terms like DNA, genes, and the nucleus. Each card provides definitions to help reinforce your understanding of key concepts in genetics and cellular biology.