A polymer made of nucleotides, carrying genetic information in cells. | DNA |
What is DNA? | DNA is a polymer made of nucleotides. |
A long molecule composed of repeating units called monomers. | Polymer |
What is a polymer? | A polymer is a long molecule made of repeating units. |
The units that make up DNA, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a base. | Nucleotides |
What are the units that make up DNA called? | The units that make up DNA are called nucleotides. |
A chemical group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, found in nucleotides and other molecules. | Phosphate Group |
What does each nucleotide contain? | Each nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a base. |
A molecule that forms the backbone of DNA, to which the bases are attached. | Sugar Molecule |
To what is the base attached in a nucleotide? | The base is attached to the sugar molecule in a nucleotide. |
A small section of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein. | Gene |
What is a gene? | A gene is a small section of DNA that codes for a particular protein. |
The formation of complementary pairs between the nitrogenous bases of DNA molecules. | DNA Base Pairing |
What is the nature of the base pairing in DNA? | DNA bases form complementary pairs. |
The four nucleotide bases found in DNA: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). | DNA Bases |
What are the four different bases in DNA? | There are 4 different bases in DNA: A, C, G, and T. |
The specific rules dictating which DNA bases pair with each other: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G. | Base Pairing Rules |
Which bases always pair with each other in DNA? | Base A always pairs with base T, and base C always pairs with base G. |
Weak chemical bonds that hold base pairs together in the DNA double helix. | Hydrogen Bonds |
What type of bonds join the base pairs in DNA? | The base pairs are joined together by weak hydrogen bonds. |
The twisted ladder structure formed by two strands of nucleotides held together by hydrogen bonds and complementary base pairing. | Double Helix |
What shape do the nucleotides coil into when all the pairs join up? | When all the pairs join up, the nucleotides coil together to form a double helix shape. |
The entire set of genetic material (DNA) found in an organism. | Genome |
What is the genome? | The genome is all of the DNA found in an organism. |
The genetic material present in every organism. | Organism DNA |
What do all organisms possess? | Every organism has DNA. |
The complete set of genetic information present in a human. | Human Genome |
What do humans have in terms of their genetic material? | Humans have a genome. |
The process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. | Genome Mapping |
What have scientists done with the human genome? | Scientists have been studying the human genome and have mapped it out entirely. |
The process of isolating DNA from cells for further analysis. | DNA Extraction |
What is DNA extraction? | DNA extraction is the process of isolating DNA from cells for further analysis. |
The cells found in fruits, which contain DNA. | Fruit Cells |
Where can DNA be extracted from? | DNA can be extracted from fruit cells. |
Breaking down the structure of the fruit cells into smaller pieces, often done with a pestle and mortar. | Crushing |
What is the first step in extracting DNA from strawberries? | The first step is to crush the strawberries, e.g., with a pestle and mortar. |
A solution containing detergent, used to break down cell membranes and release DNA. | Detergent Solution |
What is the next step after crushing the strawberries? | Then, put them into a beaker containing a solution of detergent and salt. |
What is the purpose of the detergent solution in DNA extraction? | The detergent solution is used to break down the membranes of the cells, releasing the DNA from the cells. |
A substance added to the detergent solution to help DNA stick together. | Salt |
Why is salt added to the DNA extraction solution? | The salt helps the DNA stick together so you can see it at the end. |
The process of separating solids from liquids using a filter. | Filtration |
What is the next step after adding the detergent solution? | Next, filter the mixture into a test tube to remove the lumps. |
A substance used to precipitate DNA out of solution during DNA extraction. | Alcohol |
What is added to the solution after filtration in DNA extraction? | Finally, run ice-cold alcohol down the side of the test tube into the solution. |
The solid white strands of DNA that appear when DNA is removed from solution. | DNA Precipitate |
What does DNA appear as during DNA extraction? | The DNA will appear as strands of solid white precipitate, because it's not soluble in alcohol. |
A tool used to remove the DNA precipitate from the solution for closer examination. | Glass Rod |
How can the strands of DNA be examined after extraction? | The strands of DNA can be removed with a glass rod; you can then have a closer look. |