2025 EOC Lock-In: Genetics Flashcard

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What is DNA?

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

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What is RNA?

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RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a single-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins. It is involved in translating the genetic code from DNA into proteins.

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What are the main differences between DNA and RNA?

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1. Structure: DNA is double-stranded, while RNA is single-stranded. 2. Sugar: DNA contains deoxyribose, RNA contains ribose. 3. Bases: DNA has thymine (T), RNA has uracil (U).

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What is a polypeptide chain?

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A polypeptide chain is a sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

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What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

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The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, encompassing the processes of transcription and translation.

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What is transcription?

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Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. It occurs in the nucleus and produces messenger RNA (mRNA).

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What is translation?

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Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information carried by mRNA. It occurs in the cytoplasm.

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What is a mutation?

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A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

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What is a substitution mutation?

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A substitution mutation occurs when one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another, potentially altering the amino acid sequence of a protein.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are inserted or deleted from the DNA sequence, shifting the reading frame and altering the entire amino acid sequence.