24.5 Nucleic Acids
What are gene mutations?
Substitutions, additions, or deletions of one or more nucleotides in the DNA molecule are called gene mutations.
How many bases of DNA are required to specify one amino acid in a peptide chain?
Three bases of DNA arranged in a specific sequence are required to specify one amino acid in a peptide or protein chain.
nucleic acid
a nitrogen containing polymer found primarily in the cell's nucleus
gene
a segment of DNA that carries the instructions for making one peptide chain
nucleotide
the monomer that makes up DNA and RNA polymers
What are the functions of DNA and RNA?
DNA stores the information needed to make proteins and governs the reproduction and growth of cells and new organisms. RNA has a key role in the transmission of the information stored in DNA and in the synthesis of proteins.
What are two examples of DNA technologies used today?
DNA typing uses the variation in the DNA of individuals to produce DNA profiles to identify a person.
