Destiny Cobb

Biology
Chapter 11: DNA and Genes
pgs.286-313
Main Idea Notes/Vocabulary
• DNA, the genetic material for organisms, is
Section 11.1 composed of 4 kinds of nucleotides. A DNA molecule
DNA: The consists of 2 strands of nucleotides with sugars and
Molecule of phosphates on the outside and bases paired by
Heredity hydrogen bonding on the inside. The paired stands
form a twisted zipper shape called a double helix
• Because adenine can only pair with thymine, and
guanine can only pair with cytosine, DNA can
replicate itself with great accuracy. This process
keeps the genetic information constant through cell
division and during reproduction.

Nitrogen Base- carbon ring structure found in DNA or

RNA that contain one or more atoms of nitrogen;
includes andenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and
uracil
Double Helix- shape of a DNA molecule formed when
2 twisted DNA strands are coiled into a spring like
structure held together by hydrogen bonds between
the bases
DNA replication- process in which chromosomal DNA
is copied before mitosis and meiosis
• Genes are small sections of DNA. Most sequences
Section 11.2 of 3 bases in the DNA of a gene code for a single
From DNA to amino acid in a protein.
Protein • The order of nucleotides in DNA determines the
order of nucleotides in messenger RNA in a process
called transcription.
• Translation is a process through which the order of
the bases in messenger RNA codes for the order of
amino acids in a protein.

Messenger RNA- RNA that transports information from

DNA in the nucleus to the cells cytoplasm
Ribosomal RNA- RNA that makes up the ribosomes;
clamps onto mRNA and uses its information to
assemble amino acids in the correct order
Transfer RNA- RNA that transports amino acids to the
ribosomes to be assembled into proteins
Transcription- process in the cell nucleus where
enzymes make an RNA copy of a DNA strand
Codon- set of 3 nitrogen bases that represents an
amino acid; order of nitrogen bases in mRNA
determines the type and order of amino acids in a
 Destiny Cobb
Biology
Chapter 11: DNA and Genes
pgs.286-313
protein
Translation- process of converting information in
mRNA into a sequence of amino acids in a protein
• A mutation is a change in the base sequence of
Section 11.3 DNA. Mutations may effect only one gene, or they
Genetic may affect the whole chromosomes.
Changes • Mutations in eggs or sperm affect future
generations by producing offspring with new
characteristics. Mutations in body cells affect only the
individual and may result in cancer.

Mutation- any change or random error in a DNA

sequence
Point Mutation- mutation in a DNA sequence; occurs
from a change in a single base pair
Chromosomal Mutation- mutation that occurs at the
chromosome level resulting in changes in the gene
distribution to gametes during meiosis; caused when
parts of chromosomes break off or rejoin incorrectly
Mutagen- any agent that can cause a change in DNA;
includes high-energy radiation, chemicals, or high
temperatures