DNA and Chromosome Structure
The loose, unorganized form of DNA typically found inside the cell's nucleus during G1 phase
Chromatin
During this specific phase of interphase, the cell grows, does its day-to-day job, creates proteins, and maintains its DNA in the form of chromatin
G1 phase
This specific enzyme is responsible for uncoiling and unzipping the weak hydrogen bonds between the complementary nitrogenous base pairs
Helicase
This foundational biological concept describes the directional flow of genetic information: DNA --> RNA --> Protein
Central Dogma
The specific structural unit which is the monomer building block of the DNA polymer, consisting of a phosphate group, pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base
Nucleotide
Letter-designated phase of the cell cycle when a cell receives the signal to divide and completely copy its DNA
S phase (synthesis)
The enzyme builds the new strand of DNA by matching complementary base to the original parent template strand
DNA polymerase
This specific type of RNA acts as the message that carries genetic instructions from the DNA out to the ribosome
mRNA (messenger RNA)
Specialized protein structure that holds identical sister chromatids tightly together after DNA replication
Centromere
The phase with the primary purpose of double-checking that the cell's DNA replicated correctly before officially committing to the active division of the M phase
G2 phase
Because DNA strands run in opposite directions, they are described by this term, meaning one side is right-side up and the other is upside down
Antiparallel
Using the kitchen analogy, this type of RNA acts as the transfer vehicle, bringing amino acid ingredients to the ribosome
tRNA (transfer RNA)
The four, specific nitrogenous bases that make up the variable, genetic-code-carrying portion of a DNA Molecule
This resting state occurs when a specialized cell--such as a mature brain cell--exits the cell cycle and no longer undergoes mitosis
G0 Phase
DNA Replication is described by this term because each resulting DNA molecule contains one original parent strand and one brand-new daughter strand
Semi-conservative
During the cell cycle, replicated sister chromatids first line up down the middle of the cell during Metaphase, and then pulls apart during this subsequent phase
Anaphase
The correct structural hierarchy of genetic material, ordered from the smallest individual to the largest, most organized structure
Nucleotide -> DNA double helix -> Chromatin -> Chromosome
Three distinct phases that collectively make up interphase, the longest portion of the cell cycle
G1, S, and G2 phases
While strong covalent bonds hold the sugar-phosphate "ladder sides" together, these weak bonds connect the matching nitrogenous bases across the middle
Hydrogen bonds
This specific type of RBNA forms the actual, physical structural components of ribosome
rRNA (ribosomal RNA)