Nucleic Acids

What are the two main types of nucleic acids?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)

What is the structure of DNA?

DNA is a double helix composed of two long strands of nucleotides wound around each other.

What components make up a DNA nucleotide?

A deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), or guanine (G).

What is the typical structure of RNA?

RNA is typically a single-stranded molecule that can fold into complex shapes.

What components make up an RNA nucleotide?

A ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine (G).

What is the primary role of DNA in cells?

DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms.

How is RNA involved in protein synthesis?

RNA functions as a messenger (mRNA) that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.

What distinguishes DNA from RNA in terms of sugar?

DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.

What are the base pairing rules for DNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

What are the base pairing rules for RNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U) and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).