A1.2 Nucleic Acids Flashcards

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1
Q

Define DNA

A

DNA is a polymer that is your ‘blueprint’. Contains your genes: a code that determines both your unique and non-unique characteristics. DNA is a biological macromolecule called a nucleic acid. DNA: genetic material of all living things.

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2
Q

Define Nucleotide

A

The basic unit of a nucleic acid. Large molecules contained in the nucleus of cells, hence the name.

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3
Q

Types of Nucleotide

A

DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid
RNA - Ribonucleic acid
They are polymers of nucleotides; formed by long chains of nucleotides.

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4
Q

Components of a nucleotide

A

A pentose sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

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5
Q

Bonding between nucleotides

A

Sugar-phosphate bonding: phosphate of one nucleotide can chemically bond with the pentose sugar of another. Referred to as ‘backbones’ of DNA and RNA. Phosphodiester bond.

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6
Q

Names of Nitrogenous bases

A

Guanine (G), Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Uracil (U).

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7
Q

Types of nitrogenous bases

A

Purine: larger; two rings in structure.
Pyrimidine: smaller; one ring in structure.
Purines pair with pyrimidines.

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8
Q

Pairings of nitrogenous bases

A

DNA: A and T, C and G.
RNA: A and U, C and G

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9
Q

Diagram of DNA structure

A

Two antiparallel strands, linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.

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10
Q

Differences between RNA and DNA

A

Pentose sugar: ribose vs deoxyribose.
Number of strands: Single-stranded vs double-stranded connected by hydrogen bonding. Helix shape.
Pentose sugar structure: see notes.
Nitrogenous bases: U vs T.

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11
Q

Role of complementary base pairing

A

DNA

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12
Q

Diversity of possible DNA base sequences and capacity of DNA for storing information

A

DNA contains high base sequence capacity and limitless storage capacity: DNA stores information and instructions needed to build complex organisms. DNA has 4 possible bases so information can be stored based on all possible combinations from this sequence; depends on number of bases in chain: 20 bases = 4^20. DNA can be any length so limitless storage. DNA does not take up much space.

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13
Q

Structure of a nucleosome

A

Consists of eight proteins called histones, giving it a bead like structure. DNA wraps around the histone bead, just shy of two complete times and is supported by another histone protein called H1 which reinforces and secures the bonding of DNA to the histone protein core. Linker DNA joins one nucleosome to the other.

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14
Q

Directionality of DNA and RNA

A

5’ end: closest to fifth carbon within the sugar molecule.
3’ end: closest to the third carbon within the sugar molecule.
DNA sequence is read from 5’ end to the 3’ end.

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15
Q

Hershey-Chase experiment

A

In the 1900s scientists did not know if it was nucleic acids or proteins that were the genetic materials. So they experimented using radioactive bacteria

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16
Q

Watson and Crick

A