DNA and RNA

Front

What is DNA?

Back

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.

Front

What is RNA?

Back

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a single-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins by carrying instructions from DNA.

Front

What are base pairs in DNA?

Back

Base pairs are the pairs of nitrogenous bases that form the rungs of the DNA ladder. The main base pairs are adenine (A) with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G).

Front

What is the process of transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. This occurs in the nucleus of the cell.

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What is the process of translation?

Back

Translation is the process of converting the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein. This occurs in the ribosome.

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What is a mutation?

Back

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 an insertion mutation?

Back

An insertion mutation occurs when one or more base pairs are added to the DNA sequence, potentially altering the function of the resulting protein.

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What is a deletion mutation?

Back

A deletion mutation occurs when one or more base pairs are removed from the DNA sequence, which can disrupt the normal function of the gene.

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What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A substitution mutation occurs when one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced with another, which may or may not affect the protein produced.

Front

How many strands does RNA have?

Back

RNA is typically single-stranded.