Term | Definition |
Nucleotide | The small units, or monomers, that make up DNA |
Double Helix | Model that compares the structure of a DNA molecule, in which to strands wind around one another, to that of a twisted ladder |
Base Paring Rules | Rule that describes how nucleotides form |
Replication | Process by which DNA is copied |
DNA Polymerase | Enzyme that makes bonds between nucleotides, forming an identical strand of DNA during replication |
Central Dogma | Theory that states that, in cells, information only flows from DNA to RNA to protiens |
RNA | Nucleic acid molecule that allows for the transmission of genetic information and protein synthesis |
Transcription | Process of copying a nucleotides sequence of DNA to form a complementary strand of mRNA |
RNA Polymerase | Enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template |
Messenger RNA (mRNA) | Form of RNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis |
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) | RNA that is in the ribosome and guides he translation of mRNA into a protein; also used as a molecular clock |
Transfer RNA (tRNA) | Form of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis |
Translation | Process by which mRNA is decoded and a protein is produced |
Codon | Sequence of three nucleotides that codes for one amino acid |
Stop Codon | Codon that signals to ribosomes to stop translation |
Start Codon | Codon that signals to ribosomes to begin translation; codes for the first amino acid in a protein |
Anticodon | Set of three nucleotides in a tRNA molecule that binds to a complementary mRNA codon during translation |