Formation of Nucleic Acids

Flashcards covering the chemical formation of polynucleotide chains, the structure of nucleic acid backbones, and the differences between DNA and RNA.

How do millions of nucleotides join to form polynucleotide chains?

By phospho-di-ester bonds

What process joins the $\text{-OH}$ group of one nucleotide's phosphate with the $\text{-OH}$ on the $3$rd carbon of another nucleotide?

Condensation

What repeating pattern forms the backbone of nucleic acids?

Sugar-phosphate units

How are nucleic acids described in terms of their polymer structure?

Linear polymers of nucleotides

What is the nucleic acid called if the sugar molecule is deoxyribose?

DNA

What is the nucleic acid called if the pentose sugar is ribose?

RNA

Which nitrogenous bases are found in DNA?

Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine

Which nitrogenous bases are found in RNA?

Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Uracil