 | Term | Definition |
| |
DNA |
the molecule that carries genetic info in all cells |
| |
double helix |
the twisted-ladder shape of DNA |
| |
antiparallel |
(adj.) two lines that run parallel, but in opposite directions |
| |
nucleic acid |
any organic macromolecule which is made of nucleotides |
| |
nucleotide |
the building block of nucleic acids |
| |
hydrogen bond |
a type of bond which is very weak, but strong when there are many; holds together the two strands of DNA |
| |
base |
A, T, C, G are examples of these molecules which form the 'rungs' of the DNA ladder |
| |
adenine |
the base that always pairs with T |
| |
thymine |
the base that always pairs with adenine |
| |
cytosine |
the base that always pairs with guanine |
| |
guanine |
the base that always pairs with cytosine |
| |
complementary |
(adj) matching; pairing with |
| |
RNA |
a single-stranded nucleic acid |
| |
uracil |
the base which pairs with adenine in RNA |
| |
replication |
the process of copying DNA |
| |
polymerase |
the enzyme which puts together nucleotides to make a nucleic acid polymer |
| |
transcription |
the process of copying a gene from DNA into RNA |
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