Mol Bio: Nucleic Acid

Nucleic Acid

A macromolecule composed of nucleotides linked by phosphate and hydroxyl groups on their sugars.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids, containing a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogen base.

5’ phosphate end and a 3’ hydroxyl end

Polarity of DNA

5’ to 3’ direction by convention.

Directionality of DNA

Complementary Strands

The two strands of DNA are complementary, not identical, with one strand’s sequence determining the sequence of the opposite strand.

Antiparallel Orientation

The two DNA strands are in what orientation?, with the 5’ end of one strand opposite the 3’ end of the other.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbones

The backbones of the DNA double helix are arranged at specific distances from one another.

Major and Minor Grooves

These regions of the helix, formed by the backbones, serve as binding sites for proteins that recognize specific nucleotide sequences.

Intercalating Agents

Molecules that slide transversely into the center of the helix.

Denaturing Agents

Chemicals like formamide and urea can break the hydrogen bonds between DNA strands, causing them to separate.