DNA & Protein Synthesis Vocabulary

What is the primary function of DNA in cells?

• To store genetic information

• To transport amino acids

• To catalyze chemical reactions

• To provide energy for cellular processes

Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

• Thymine

• Adenine

• Uracil

• Guanine

Describe the role of hydrogen bonds in the structure of DNA.

• They connect the sugar and phosphate groups.

• They hold the two strands of the DNA double helix together.

• They link amino acids in a protein chain.

• They form the backbone of the DNA molecule.

Explain the process of DNA replication.

• DNA is transcribed into RNA.

• DNA is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

• DNA is translated into proteins.

• DNA is broken down into nucleotides.

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

• It synthesizes new DNA strands.

• It unwinds the DNA double helix.

• It joins Okazaki fragments.

• It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.

How does RNA polymerase function during transcription?

• It unwinds the DNA double helix.

• It synthesizes RNA by adding nucleotides complementary to the DNA template.

• It translates RNA into proteins.

• It repairs damaged DNA.

What is a codon and what is its significance in protein synthesis?

• A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA that signals the start of replication.

• A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

• A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that binds to mRNA.

• A sequence of three nucleotides in rRNA that forms the ribosome.

Compare and contrast the roles of DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase.

• Both synthesize DNA, but DNA polymerase works faster.

• DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA, while RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA.

• Both are involved in protein synthesis, but RNA polymerase is more accurate.

• DNA polymerase repairs DNA, while RNA polymerase degrades RNA.

What is the significance of the phosphate and sugar backbone in nucleic acids?

• It provides the genetic code for protein synthesis.

• It forms the structural framework of nucleic acids.

• It catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds.

• It stores energy for cellular processes.

Identify the base pairing rules in DNA.

• Adenine pairs with guanine, and cytosine pairs with thymine.

• Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.

• Adenine pairs with uracil, and cytosine pairs with guanine.

• Adenine pairs with cytosine, and guanine pairs with thymine.