BIOCHEM: NUCLEIC ACID Flashcards
What are the molecules that is responsible for the storage and transfer of genetic information.
Nucleic acids
Who discovered nucleic acids and when?
Friedrich Miescher discovered nucleic acids in 1869.
What are the two types of nucleic acids found in higher organisms?
The two types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Where is most DNA found in a cell?
within the cell nucleus.
What is the primary function of DNA?
storage and transfer of genetic information.
What is the primary function of RNA?
synthesis of proteins.
What are nucleotides?
Nucleotides are the monomer units that make up nucleic acids.
What is the structural distinction between DNA and RNA?
DNA and RNA have different structural properties, which are essential for their functions.
What remarkable property do living cells have?
Living cells have the ability to produce exact replicas of themselves.
What is the significance of nucleic acids in cell division?
Nucleic acids are passed from existing cells to new cells during cell division.
What are the building blocks of nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides.
What are the three subunits of a nucleotide?
A nucleotide consists of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic base.
How are the atoms in the pentose and nitrogen-containing base subunits of a nucleotide numbered?
Pentose ring atoms are designated with primed numbers, and nitrogen-containing base ring atoms are designated with unprimed numbers.
What are the two types of pentose sugars found in nucleotides?
The two types of pentose sugars are ribose and 2’-deoxyribose.
What is the structural difference between ribose and 2’-deoxyribose?
The only difference is at carbon 2’: ribose has an -OH group, while 2’-deoxyribose has a -H atom.
