MY DECK

• Nucleic acids


  Biological macromolecules that store genetic information in cells
• Types of nucleic acids

  DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
• Nucleotides

  Repeating units of nucleic acids, made up of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base
• Polynucleotide chains

  Long chains of nucleotides, with the phosphate group of one nucleotide connected to the sugar of the next nucleotide
• Double helix

  Twisted structure formed by two polynucleotide chains in DNA, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs
• Genetic code

  Sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA that determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins
• DNA

  Made up of two strands that twist around each other to form a double helix, consists of four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine, contains the genetic instructions used in the development and function of all known living organisms
• RNA


  Single-stranded molecule, consists of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), adenine pairs with uracil, and guanine pairs with cytosine, involved in protein synthesis and other cellular processes
• Nucleus

  The central compartment of a eukaryotic cell that contains the majority of DNA, organized into chromosomes.
• Mitochondria

  Organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that generate energy and have their own DNA (mtDNA).
• Chloroplasts

  Organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis and have their own DNA (cpDNA).
• Nucleic acid

  A type of biological molecule that carries genetic information in cells. There are two main types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA.
• Carriers of nucleic acid


  Molecules that transport or package nucleic acids within cells or between cells. These carriers can be proteins, lipid-based structures, or viruses.
• Protein carriers


  Proteins that package nucleic acids within cells. For example, histones are proteins that package DNA into chromatin in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
• Lipid-based carriers


  Lipid-based structures, such as vesicles and liposomes, that can act as carriers of nucleic acids. These structures can be used to deliver nucleic acids into cells for therapeutic purposes.
• Viruses


  Another type of carrier of nucleic acids. Viruses consist of a nucleic acid genome encapsulated in a protein coat, which can infect cells and introduce their genetic material into the host cell.
• DNA


  Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a long molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live, and reproduce
• Double helix


  The structure of DNA, formed by two strands that twist around each other
• Bases

  The chemical components of DNA, including adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C)
• Base pairing


  The pairing of adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine, which holds the two strands of DNA together
• Sugar molecule

  Deoxyribose, a component of the backbone of the DNA molecule
• Phosphate group

  A component of the backbone of the DNA molecule, which alternates with the sugar molecule to form the structure of the molecule
• Genetic instructions


  The sequence of bases along the DNA molecule, which contains the information needed for the development and function of an organism
• Deoxyribose

  A sugar molecule that is a key component of the DNA backbone.
• Phosphate groups

  Negatively charged groups that make up the DNA backbone and help to hold the DNA molecule together.
• Nitrogenous bases

  Molecules that pair up to form the "rungs" of the DNA ladder. There are four nitrogenous bases in DNA: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine.
• DNA nitrogenous bases

  Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C)
• RNA nitrogenous bases

  Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C)
• Pyrimidine

  A heterocyclic aromatic organic compound containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3 of the six-member ring
• Nitrogen atoms in pyrimidine

  N1 and N3 are the nitrogen atoms in the pyrimidine ring
• Carbon atoms in pyrimidine

  C2, C4, C5, and C6 are the carbon atoms in the pyrimidine ring
• Double bonds in pyrimidine

  Double bonds exist between the carbon and nitrogen atoms, as well as between the carbon atoms themselves, forming the aromatic structure of the pyrimidine ring
• Functional groups in pyrimidine derivatives

  Functional groups can attach to the pyrimidine ring, leading to the formation of various pyrimidine derivatives, such as uracil, thymine, and cytosine, which are important in genetics and nucleic acid chemistry
• Secondary structure


  The local folding patterns of the nucleic acid chain, which are determined by the specific sequence of nucleotides. In DNA, the most common secondary structure is the double helix, in which two complementary strands wind around each other. In RNA, common secondary structures include hairpin loops, bulges, and internal loops.
• Tertiary structure


  The three-dimensional shape of the nucleic acid molecule, which is determined by interactions between different parts of the molecule. Tertiary structure can be stabilized by various types of bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and van der Waals forces.
• Quaternary structure


  The arrangement of multiple nucleic acid molecules or subunits into a larger complex. For example, in some viruses, the genome is encapsidated by multiple copies of a protein shell, forming a quaternary structure.
• Histone


  A type of protein that helps to package and organize DNA in the nucleus of a cell.
• OS


  Short for "oligomeric slide." A type of histone modification that can alter the structure and function of chromatin.
• Histone OS


  A type of histone modification that plays a role in compacting and organizing DNA in the cell's nucleus. Can affect gene expression and other cellular processes.
• Chromatin


  The material that makes up chromosomes, formed by DNA and histones.