1.2 - Structure & Replication Of DNA Flashcards
What does a molecule of DNA consist of?
2 strands each composed of repeating units called nucleotides.
What does a DNA nucleotide consist of?
- a molecule of deoxyribose sugar
- a phosphate group
- an organic base
How many carbons does the deoxyribose sugar contain?
Deoxyribose is a 5 carbon sugar
What part of the DNA nucleotide is attached to carbon 5 of the deoxyribose sugar?
The phosphate group is attached to carbon 5 of the deoxyribose sugar.
What is attached to carbon 1 of the deoxyribose sugar?
The organic base is attached to carbon 1 of the deoxyribose sugar.
What join together to form the DNA molecules sugar phosphate backbone?
Nucleotides join together to form the DNA molecules sugar-phosphate backbone.
Sugar-phosphate backbone - bonding
A strong chemical bond forms between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the carbon 3 of the deoxyribose sugar on another nucleotide.
Complementary base pairing
DNA is a double helix which means there are 2 strands of nucleotides joined together.
The 2 strands of nucleotides are joined together by weak hydrogen bonds between their complementary bases.
- Adenine-Thymine, Cytosine-Guanine.
are known as the complementary base pairs.
Antiparallel strands
The deoxyribose sugar is at the 3’ end and the phosphate at the 5’ end of each strand.
The chain is only able to grow by adding nucleotides to its 3’ end.
This leads to the two DNA strands with their Sugar-phosphate backbones running in opposite directions. This is described as antiparallel.
Double helix
In order for the complementary base pairs to align with each other, the 2 strands in a DNA molecule form a twisted coil called a double helix.
The Sugar-phosphate backbones are on the outside and the complementary base pairs are on the inside (of the DNA molecule).
What does the base sequence of DNA form?
The genetic code
Where does DNA Replication take place?
DNA replication is performed at the beginning of cell division.
DNA replication takes place in the nucleus of the cell and is the process by which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA.
Whar does DNA replication ensure?
DNA replication ensures that an exact copy of a cells genetic information is passed on to each new daughter cell making it genetically identical to the original cell.
DNA replication therefore maintains the chromosome complement in the new daughter cell.
Requirements for DNA replication
For DNA replication to occur, the nucleus must contain:
- DNA to act as a template
- primers
- a supply of the 4 types of nucleotides.
- enzymes - DNA polymerase, ligase
- supply of ATP for energy
Beginning DNA replication
- The shape of DNA is a double helix
- Before DNA can be replicated, it must first be unwound.
- The weak hydrogen bonds between the bases are then broken to form two template strands.