2.1-Structure of RNA and DNA

Question 1

Describe the structure of a nucleotide

Answer 1

• A pentose sugar (deoxyribose)
• A phosphate group
• A nitrogen containing organic base

Question 2

Describe how a dinucleotide is formed

Answer 2

Condensation reactions between two mono nucleotides
Phosphodiester bond forms between the deoxyribose of one mono nucleotide and the phosphate group of another

Question 3

What is the pentose sugar in RNA?

Answer 3

ribose

Question 4

Describe the structure of DNA

Answer 4

• Two parallel nucleotide strands help together by hydrogen bonds between the organic bases
  -The two strains twist into a double helix

Question 5

Why is DNA a stable molecule?

Answer 5

• The phosphodiester backbone protects the more chemicaly reactive organic bases inside the double helix
  -Hydrogen bonds link the organic base pairs forming bridges

Question 6

How does the structure of DNA relate to its function?

Answer 6

-Its two separate strands are only joined by hydrogen bonds which allow them to separate during DNA replication
-Large molecule-carries alot of genetic information
- Base pairing allows DNA to be able to replicate and transfer information in the form of mRNA
-Very stable structure which passes from generation to generation without significant change. Most mutations are repaired