Download Vocabulary DNA Structure

Vocabulary: Molecular Genetics: DNA Structure
Bio 12 Allen
Anneal
the pairing of complementary strands of DNA through hydrogen bonding
Antiparallel
parallel but running in opposite directions; the 5’ end of one strand of DNA aligns with the 3’ end of the other strand in a
double helix
bacteriophage
any bacteria-infecting virus
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides (each consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate, and
four nitrogenous bases) that carries the genetic information of an organism
deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates molecules composed of a deoxyribose bonded to three phosphate groups and a nitrogenous base
deoxyribose sugar
sugar molecule containing five carbons that has lost the -OH (hydroxyl group) on its 2’ (2 prime) carbon
glycosyl bond
a bond between a sugar and another organic molecule by way of an intervening nitrogen or oxygen atom
hydrogen bond
A chemical bond in which a hydrogen atom of one molecule is attracted to an electronegative atom, especially a
nitrogen, oxygen, or flourine atom, usually of another molecule. These bonds hold the two strands of DNA together.
hydroxyl group a covalently bonded –OH. Involved in dehydration synthesis reactions in formation of DNA.
isotope
different atoms of the same element containing the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
nitrogenous base an alkaline, cyclic molecule containing nitrogen
nucleotides
molecules that consist of a five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose or ribose) with a nitrogenous base attached to their 1’ carbon
and a phosphate group attached to their 5’ carbon
phosphate group group of four oxygen atoms surrounding a central phosphorus atom found in the backbone of DNA
phosphodiester bond
The covalent chemical bond that holds together the polynucleotide chains of RNA and DNA by joining a carbon
in the pentose sugar of one nucleotide to a carbon in the pentose sugar of the adjacent nucleotide.
purine
The larger of the nitrogenous bases in DNA & RNA. Composed of double rings.
pyrimidine
The smaller of the nitrogenous bases in DNA & RNA. Composed of double rings.
Radioisotopes
unstable isotopes that decay spontaneously by emitting radiation
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DNA Vocabulary