DNA Structure & Replication Key Terms CSCOPE Unit 06 Lesson 01

DNA  Deoxyribonucleic acid  Double-stranded nucleic acid (double helix shape—like a twisted ladder)  Contains genetic information for cell functions, growth, and division.

Nucleotide  Basic building block of nucleic acids  Three parts:  Sugar  Phosphate group  Nitrogen base

Deoxyribose Sugar  Sugar component in the backbone of DNA  5-Carbon sugar

Phosphate Group  Binds with sugar in DNA backbone  Phosphorous attached to four oxygen atoms

Nitrogen Base Pairs  Nitrogen base pairs form the “rungs” of the DNA structure.  Adenine  Purine base that pairs with thymine  Thymine  Pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine  Cytosine  Pyrimidine base that pairs with guanine  Guanine  Purine base that pairs with cytosine