DNA Flashcards
What is DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.
What is the structure of DNA?
DNA is composed of two long strands that coil around each other to form a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.
What are nucleotides?
Nucleotides are the simpler molecules that make up each strand of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?
The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
How do the nitrogenous bases pair in DNA?
In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming base pairs.
Where is DNA found in eukaryotic organisms?
DNA is found in the cell nucleus of eukaryotic organisms.
What is RNA?
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a crucial molecule involved in various biological roles, primarily related to the synthesis of proteins.
How does RNA differ from DNA?
RNA is typically single-stranded, contains the sugar ribose, and uses uracil instead of thymine, which is found in DNA.
What is mRNA?
mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
What role does tRNA play in protein synthesis?
tRNA, or transfer RNA, translates the genetic code from mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein.
What is rRNA?
rRNA stands for ribosomal RNA, which is a critical component of ribosomes responsible for synthesizing proteins.
What are ribosomes?
Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that read the sequence of mRNA and translate it into a specific sequence of amino acids.
What distinguishes eukaryotic organisms from prokaryotic organisms?
Eukaryotic organisms have cells with a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic organisms lack a defined nucleus.
Who were the key scientists in the discovery of the DNA structure?
James Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins were key scientists in the discovery of the DNA double helix structure.
What was the Human Genome Project?
The Human Genome Project was an international scientific research initiative aimed at mapping and understanding all the genes of the human species.
What are some ethical concerns raised by the Human Genome Project?
Ethical concerns include privacy issues, potential genetic discrimination, and the commercialization of genetic research.
What is the significance of Rosalind Franklin's work?
Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images were crucial in revealing the helical structure of DNA, contributing significantly to the discovery of its structure.
What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?
DNA polymerase is the enzyme that replicates DNA by building new strands and has proofreading ability to ensure accurate replication.
What is the difference between leading and lagging strands in DNA replication?
The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments.
What is the function of helicase in DNA replication?
Helicase is the enzyme that unzips the DNA strands, separating them to allow for replication.
What is the significance of the Human Genome Project for personalized medicine?
The Human Genome Project has paved the way for personalized medicine by allowing treatments to be tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
What is the role of the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program?
The ELSI program addresses the societal impacts of genomic research, ensuring that the benefits of genomic discoveries are accessible and equitable.
What is the impact of the Human Genome Project on drug development?
The Human Genome Project has facilitated the development of pharmacogenomics, optimizing drug efficacy and minimizing adverse effects based on genetic profiles.