DNA replication & Transcription

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

The process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself, resulting in two identical DNA strands.

Front

What is transcription in the context of genetics?

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information to the ribosome.

Front

What is a nucleotide?

Back

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What are the four nitrogenous bases in DNA?

Back

Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding and separating the two strands of the DNA double helix.

Front

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

Back

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Front

What is the significance of the 5' and 3' ends of a DNA strand?

Back

The 5' end has a phosphate group, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group; DNA strands are antiparallel and synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.

Front

What is tRNA and its primary function?

Back

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil instead of thymine.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.