molecular

## What I do - Explain molecular processes in cells - Describe nucleic acid structure and function - Discuss protein synthesis and function - Explain genetic information flow - Connect genes to cellular function - Apply molecular biology techniques ## When to use me - When learning molecular biology basics - When explaining cellular processes - When studying genetic mechanisms - When preparing educational content ## Key Concepts ### DNA Structure - Double helix: Antiparallel strands - Base pairing: A-T, G-C - Sugar-phosphate backbone - Major and minor grooves ### RNA Types - **mRNA**: Messenger, template for protein - **tRNA**: Transfer, brings amino acids - **rRNA**: Ribosomal, catalytic core - **miRNA**: Micro, gene silencing - **snRNA**: Small nuclear, splicing ### Protein Structure ```python # Protein structure levels protein_structure = { 'primary': 'Amino acid sequence', 'secondary': 'Alpha helices, beta sheets', 'tertiary': '3D folding', 'quaternary': 'Multi-subunit complexes' } # Amino acid properties amino_acid_groups = { 'nonpolar': 'A, V, I, L, M, F, W, P', 'polar': 'S, T, C, Y, N, Q', 'charged_positive': 'K, R, H', 'charged_negative': 'D, E' } ``` ### Genetic Code - 64 codons: 61 sense + 3 stop - Degenerate: Multiple codons per amino acid - Universal (with exceptions) - Start codon: AUG (Methionine) - Stop codons: UAA, UAG, UGA