Chapter 5 - Genetics, Lesson 3 - DNA & Genetics

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 are the three main types of RNA?

Back

The three main types of RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA).

Front

What is a nucleotide?

Back

A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What is the function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

Back

mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

Back

rRNA is a component of ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis in the cell.

Front

What is the function of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

Back

tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, matching them to the coded mRNA sequence.

Front

What is junk DNA?

Back

Junk DNA refers to non-coding regions of DNA that do not code for proteins. It is estimated that about 97% of human DNA is considered junk DNA.

Front

What are chromosomes made of?

Back

Chromosomes are made of coiled strands of DNA, which are tightly packed and organized within the cell nucleus.

Front

What are the components of a DNA nucleotide?

Back

A DNA nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA has a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder, with sugar-phosphate backbones and nitrogenous base pairs forming the rungs.