DNA Structure and Function/Mutations

Front

What is DNA?

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

Front

What are the four bases of DNA?

Back

The four bases of DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

Front

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.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A substitution mutation occurs when one base in the DNA sequence is replaced by another base.

Front

What is an insertion mutation?

Back

An insertion mutation occurs when one or more bases are added to the DNA sequence.

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What is a deletion mutation?

Back

A deletion mutation occurs when one or more bases are removed from the DNA sequence.

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What is a silent mutation?

Back

A silent mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that does not alter the amino acid sequence of the protein.

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How does RNA differ from DNA?

Back

RNA contains the base Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T) and is usually single-stranded.

Front

What is the role of DNA in protein synthesis?

Back

DNA contains the instructions for assembling amino acids into proteins.

Front

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

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The central dogma states that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins.