DNA

Explain the primary function of DNA and RNA in living cells.

Explain the primary function of DNA and RNA in living cells.

DNA stores and transmit genetic information in living cells. RNA transfers the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where it is used to synthesise proteins through a process called translation.

Describe the structural composition of a nucleotide and identify the components present in both DNA and RNA nucleotides.

a nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base. Both DNA and RNA share a phosphate-sugar backbone

What type of bond is formed between nucleotides in DNA and RNA molecules?

a phosphodiester bond; formed through a condensation reaction between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide. During this reaction, a molecule of water is released as the phosphate group binds to the sugar, forming the phosphodiester bond creating a polynucleotide strand.

Differentiate between the structure of a DNA molecule and an RNA molecule.

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar in its nucleotides, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Uracil replaces Thymine in RNA.

DNA molecules are longer, forming chromosomes in eukaryotic cells, RNA molecules are shorter and found in various forms like mRNA, tRNA, rRNA.

How are ribosomes formed, and what is their role in the cellular processes? 

Ribosomes, made of RNA and proteins, via protein synthesis by translating mRNA instructions into functional proteins via rRNA. ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Why is the double helix structure of DNA significant in understanding its function? 

The double helix structure stores genetic info. The sequence of nucleotide bases along the strands codes the instructions for the traits of an organism.