Genetics and DNA Flashcards

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

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The molecule that carries genetic information in cells, composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

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Gene

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A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein, which determines traits in an organism.

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Protein

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A large, complex molecule made up of amino acids that performs a variety of functions in the body, such as building tissues and regulating chemical reactions.

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Amino Acid

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The building blocks of proteins, which are linked together in a specific sequence to form a protein.

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Genetic Code

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The set of rules by which information encoded in DNA is translated into proteins by living cells.

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Nucleotide

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The basic unit of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

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Nitrogenous Base

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A molecule found in DNA and RNA that encodes genetic information in cells. The four bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

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Codon

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A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that specifies a particular amino acid or start/stop signal during protein synthesis.

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Transcription

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The process by which the information in a gene's DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein production.

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Translation

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The process by which mRNA is decoded by ribosomes to produce a specific protein.