The Genetic Code

• All living organisms share a common genetic code. The first step to understanding this code is to understand how it is organized

• The genetic code is organized much like a book:

Genome – __________

Chromosomes – __________

DNA strands – __________

Genes – __________

Base Pairs – __________

Patterns in DNA

‘backbone’ is composed of __________and

__________ in alternating sequence

The nitrogen bases

always attach to the __________

Nitrogen bases are joined through a __________ bond

NUCLEIC ACID

• A biomolecule (polymer) composed of nucleotides (monomer) that carries the __________ __________ of an organism

NUCLEOTIDE

• The monomer of __________ __________

• Composed of

DEOXYRIBOSE

• The __________ found as part of the nucleotide structure

NITROGEN BASE

• A nitrogen containing molecule found in DNA

• molecule which carries the

__________ __________

• There are four types:

– __________

– __________

– __________

– __________

HYDROGEN BOND

• a weak chemical bond formed between the __________ __________ of a DNA molecule

Double helix

• The shape of __________

– twisted ladder

– spiralling staircase

– corkscrew

DOUBLE HELIX

GENE

• A segment of DNA that codes for a specific __________ ….the protein leads to the expression of characteristics

CHROMOSOME

• A __________ strand of DNA that is wrapped around a protein structure

• Carries the __________ __________ of an organism

CODON

• __________ adjacent nitrogen bases that code for an amino acid