structure
These sugar-based units link to form DNA and RNA strands
What are nucleotides?
Nucleic acids store information in this triplet sequence.
What are codons?
DNA has deoxyribose; RNA has this ribo version.
What is ribose?
The sugar-phosphate chain forms this structural feature in nucleic acids.
What is the backbone?
mRNA carries this from nucleus to ribosome.
What is the message?
DNA typically double; RNA usually this.
What is single-stranded?
Watson and Crick's model describes DNA's shape as this twisted ladder.
What is the double helix?
DNA copies itself during cell division via this process.
What is replication?
DNA mainly in nucleus; RNA works in cytoplasm
What is the nucleus vs. cytoplasm?
Wider spacing in DNA helix where proteins bind for regulation.
What is the major groove?
RNA synthesis from DNA template.
What is transcription?
Both use A, G, C; RNA swaps T for this.
What is uracil?
DNA uses this base; RNA uses uracil instead.
What is thymine?
Ribosomes read mRNA to build proteins here.
What is translation?
DNA more stable for long-term storage; RNA for short-term due to this.
What is the 2' hydroxyl group?