1.32 - Nucleic acids Flashcards
1
Q
What are nucleic acids?
A
Polynucleotides - The information molecules of the cell
2
Q
What is mRNA?
A
Messenger RNA that is a copy of the DNA at the beginning of transcription during protein synthesis
3
Q
What bonds join nucleotides to form nucleic acids?
A
Phosphodiester bonds
4
Q
What bonds hold two nucleic acids together?
A
Hydrogen bonds between the bases
5
Q
How many base pairs form a complete twist in a DNA helix?
A
10
6
Q
What group is free at the 5’( 5 prime) end on DNA or RNA?
A
The phosphate group
7
Q
What group is free at the 3’(3 prime) end of DNA or RNA?
A
The free -OH group attached to the 3’ carbon
8
Q
Which bases are purines?
A
Adenine and guanine
9
Q
Which bases are pyrimidines?
A
Cytosine, thymine and uracil
