1.6 DNA and RNA

Question 1

What are polynucleotides?

Answer 1

• Many nucleotides joined with phosphodiester bonds
• Between phosphate group of one and (deoxy)ribose of another
• Formed by many condensation reactions, releasing many molecules of water

Question 2

DNA

Answer 2

Holds genetic information which codes for polypeptides
Each nucleotide formed from deoxyribose, a phosphate group and nitrogen-containing organic base
Thymine
Double stranded/helix
Longer
Hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs
Phosphodiester bonds join adjacent nucleotides

Question 3

mRNA

Answer 3

Transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes
Each nucleotide formed from ribose, a phosphate group and nitrogen-containing organic base
Uracil
Single stranded/helix
Shorter
No hydrogen bonds
Phosphodiester bonds join adjacent nucleotides