Download Document

DNA Quiz Study Guide
 Nucleus – structure in the cell where chromosomes are located
 Chromosomes – hereditary structures made up of DNA and protein
 DNA – an organism’s informational code
o
Double-helix – the structure of a DNA molecule
o
Nucleotide – repeating units of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogen base that
create the DNA helix
o
o
Nitrogen bases – the connecting pieces or “rungs” on a DNA ladder

Thymine – nitrogen base always paired with adenine

Cytosine – nitrogen base always paired with guanine

Uracil – base that replaces thymine in messenger RNA (mRNA)
Sugar – the other substance in addition to phosphates that make up the
“handrails” of the DNA ladder
 Gene – a section of DNA controlling the making of specific proteins
 Proteins – substances that determine our physical appearance
 Amino acid – a chain of these make up a protein
 Replication – the copying of a DNA molecule
 mRNA – a chemical used to read the DNA in the nucleus which takes the message to the
ribosomes where proteins are made
 Mutation – an abnormality or deformation of an organism due to pollutants in the environment
that affects the organism’s DNA
 Crick – scientist who worked with Watson in developing the double-helix model of DNA
 Franklin – scientist who used x-ray diffraction to determine that DNA was a helix
 Mitochondria – another place within the cell, other than the nucleus, where DNA can be found
 Chloroplasts - another place within the cell, other than the nucleus, where DNA can be found
 Ribosomes – where proteins are made
 Introns – another name for “junk DNA”
 Exons – sections of DNA that code for certain proteins
Nitrogen base
Sugar/phosphate
Base pair