Macromolecules: Nucleic Acids

Flashcards covering structure, types, functions, and comparative properties of nucleic acids, nucleotides, ATP, proteins, and chemical interactions.

What are the two main classes of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA.

What structural sugar component distinguishes DNA from RNA?

DNA contains deoxyribose (or 2'-deoxyribose) sugar, whereas RNA contains ribose sugar.

Which nitrogenous bases are unique to DNA and RNA, respectively?

Thymine is found only in DNA, while Uracil is found only in RNA.

Which nitrogenous bases belong to the purine group, and which belong to the pyrimidine group?

Purines include Adenine and Guanine. Pyrimidines include Cytosine, Thymine, and Uracil.

What are the three chemical components that form a nucleotide?

A phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

What bond links individual nucleotides together along a single nucleic acid strand?

Phosphodiester linkage (or phosphodiester bond).

What type of bond forms between complementary nitrogenous bases across the DNA double helix?

Hydrogen bonds.

What is the structure and biological function of DNA according to Table 2-6?

DNA is a double helix of nucleotides with adenine paired with thymine and guanine paired with cytosine. It is found in chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell and serves as the genetic code for hereditary characteristics.

What is the structure and biological function of RNA according to Table 2-6?

RNA is a single strand of nucleotides containing adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil. It copies the genetic code of DNA to direct protein synthesis in the cytoplasm of cells.

What is the structure and function of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)?

ATP consists of a single adenine nucleotide with three phosphate groups. It functions as an energy-transferring molecule formed during cell respiration and used for energy-requiring cellular processes.

How does the sequence of bases in DNA direct protein structure and function?

The sequence of bases in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein, which in turn determines the protein's overall structure and function.

What genetic and molecular change leads to sickle-cell disease?

Sickle-cell disease is an inherited condition caused by a small change in DNA leading to a single amino acid difference, which causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped.

How do nucleic acids and amino acids differ in their elemental composition and monomer/polymer classification?

Nucleic acids are polymers made of C, H, O, N, and P with nucleotide monomers. Amino acids are monomers made of C, H, O, N, and S that link via peptide bonds to form protein polymers.

What four chemical forces mediate non-covalent interactions between cell receptors and viral ligands?

Electrostatic Forces, Hydrogen Bonds, Van der Waals Forces, and Hydrophobic Forces.