Nucleic Acids

Antiparallel

Referring to the orientation of two strands of DNA or RNA that run in opposite directions.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a key role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Nucleotide

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Nucleic Acid

Biomacromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that are essential for life and serve as the genetic material.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains coding for a protein or a functional RNA.

Pyrimidine

A type of nitrogenous base in nucleotides, characterized by a six-membered ring; examples include cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Purine

A type of nitrogenous base in nucleotides, characterized by a six-membered ring fused to a five-membered ring; examples include adenine and guanine.

What forms the backbone of DNA?

The backbone of DNA is formed by alternating units of sugar and phosphate groups.

What does it mean that DNA is antiparallel?

It means that the two strands of DNA run in opposite directions, with one strand running from 5' to 3' and the other from 3' to 5'.

Why are DNA strands antiparallel?

DNA strands are antiparallel to allow the bases to pair correctly and maintain the structure and function of the double helix.

Identify the three components of a nucleotide.

The three components of a nucleotide are a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What is the monomer called if it is lacking a phosphate group?

If a nucleotide is lacking a phosphate group, it is called a nucleoside.

List the possible nitrogenous bases that can be found in nucleotides.

The possible nitrogenous bases in nucleotides include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Compare and contrast DNA and RNA.

DNA is double-stranded, contains the sugar deoxyribose, and includes thymine; RNA is single-stranded, contains the sugar ribose, and includes uracil.

Where can DNA be found in a cell?

DNA can be found in the cell nucleus in eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm in prokaryotic cells.

Where can RNA be found in a cell?

RNA can be found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and throughout the cytoplasm in prokaryotic cells.

What functional group defines the 5' end?

The 5' end of a nucleotide is defined by a phosphate group.

What functional group defines the 3' end?

The 3' end of a nucleotide is defined by a hydroxyl (-OH) group.

How many bonds connect adenine and thymine, and how does this differ from cytosine and guanine?

Adenine and thymine are connected by two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine and guanine are connected by three hydrogen bonds.