Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Flashcards covering the molecular basis of inheritance: DNA vs RNA, location, structure, and nitrogenous bases.

What is the genetic material in all living cells?

DNA; RNA is the genetic material in viruses.

What is the genetic material in viruses?

RNA.

Why did DNA evolve from RNA according to the notes?

RNA was unstable and performed many functions; DNA became the stable storehouse for genetic information while RNA took on other roles.

Which nucleic acid stores genetic information in cells?

DNA stores genetic information.

Which nucleic acid performs other roles in the cell besides storing genetic information?

RNA.

Where is nucleic acid located in prokaryotes?

Cytoplasm.

Where is nucleic acid located in eukaryotes?

Nucleus.

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid.

What does RNA stand for?

Ribonucleic acid.

What is the structure of DNA?

Double-stranded, double helix; contains deoxyribose sugar.

What is the structure of RNA?

Single-stranded; contains ribose sugar.

What are the three components of a nucleoside according to the notes?

Nitrogenous base, sugar, phosphate group.

Which bases are purines?

Adenine (A) and Guanine (G).

Which bases are pyrimidines?

Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), and Uracil (U).

Which base is present in DNA but not RNA?

Thymine (T).

Which base is present in RNA but not DNA?

Uracil (U).

What is the basic structure of purines?

Double-ring (two-ring) heterocyclic base.

What is the basic structure of pyrimidines?

Single-ring (six-membered) heterocyclic base.

What is the sugar in DNA?

Deoxyribose.

What is the sugar in RNA?

Ribose.