Properties of Water and Nucleic Acids

Flashcards covering key concepts about the properties of water, nucleic acids, and the structures of DNA and RNA.

What is the main medium of life?

Water is the medium of life.

What type of bond is responsible for water's unique properties?

Polar covalent bonds.

What is cohesion in the context of water?

Cohesion refers to water molecules sticking to each other.

What is adhesion in the context of water?

Adhesion refers to water molecules sticking to other objects.

Define hydrophilic.

Hydrophilic refers to the tendency of a substance to mix with water.

Define hydrophobic.

Hydrophobic refers to the tendency of a substance to be repelled by water.

What is the specific heat of water?

Water has a high specific heat of 4.186 J/g°C.

What is buoyancy?

Buoyancy is the ability to float.

What is viscosity?

Viscosity is the ability to flow.

What does DNA stand for?

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

What is the basic structure of DNA?

DNA is made of nucleotides and has two strands.

What base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Uracil is found in RNA instead of thymine.

What is complementary base pairing in DNA?

A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

What is the significance of the base sequence in DNA?

DNA contains high base sequence diversity and limitless storage capacity.

What does RNA stand for?

RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid.