1.6 - Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids Function

the instructions to constructing a protein

Nucleotides

the monomer that formers the backbone of nucleic acid polymer

Nucleotides Structure

phosphate group, sugar, nitrogenous base

What is connected to carbon 1'?

the nitrogenous base

What is connected to carbon 3'?

a hydroxyl group (important for dehydration synthesis/ bonding)

What is connected to carbon 5'?

the phosphate group (not in the sugar ring)

What bonds nucleotides together?

phosphodiester bond

When bonded together, nucleotides will always have a directionality of what?

5' - 3' (phosphate group connects to hydroxyl group)

DNA Structure

made up of two strands of nucleotides, double helix

RNA Structure

made up of a singular strand of nucleotides

What type of sugar does the RNA backbone contain

ribose sugar

What type of sugar does the DNA backbone contain

deoxyribose sugar (one less oxygen than ribose)

What nitrogenous base can only DNA contain?

Thymine (has a methyl group, makes DNA more stable -> better long term storage)

What nitrogenous base can only RNA contain?

Uracil

Is it possible to have a double helix RNA or a single stranded DNA?

yes, not in organisms. Only founded in viruses