1.4 - Nucleic acids

Question 1

Function of DNA

Answer 1

Polymer that contains genetic information

Question 2

Function of RNA

Answer 2

To transfer genetic information from DNA to ribosomes

Question 3

What are ribosomes formed from?

Answer 3

RNA and proteins

Question 4

Name the 3 components of DNA and draw a diagram

Answer 4

Deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogen-containing base (A,T,C,G)

Question 5

Name the 3 components of RNA and draw a diagram

Answer 5

Ribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogen-containing base (A,U,C,G)

Question 6

Which bond does a condensation reaction between two nucleotides form?

Answer 6

Phosphodiester bond

Question 7

Describe the structure and bonding of a DNA molecule

Answer 7

Double helix with two polynucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds between specific complementary base pairs

Question 8

How long is an RNA molecule?

Answer 8

A relatively short polynucleotide chain

Question 9

Describe the semi-conservative model of DNA replication

Answer 9

DNA helicase unwinds double helix
DNA helicase breaks hydrogen bonds between complementary bases on polynucleotide strands
Attraction of new DNA nucleotides to exposed bases on template strands which leads to base pairing
DNA polymerase joins adjacent nucleotides in a condensation reaction