Chapter 8: Nucleic Acids Flashcards
What are Nucleic Acids used for?
- Storage of Genetic Info (DNA)
- Transmission of Genetic Info (mRNA)
- Processing of Genetics Information (Ribozymes)
- Protein Synthesis (tRNA and rRNA)
How are Nucleotides used?
- Energy for Metabolism (ATP)
- Enzyme Cofactors (NAD+)
- Signal Transduction (cAMP)
What are the main parts of a Nucleotide?
- Nitrogenous Base
- Pentose
- Phosphate
What are the main parts of a Nucleoside?
- Nitrogenous Base
- Pentose
Which Carbon is the Phosphate Group attached to on a Nucleotide and what is its charge?
It is typically found on the 5’ position and it is negatively charged.
What are the critical features of Nitrogenous Bases?
- They are derivatives of Pyrimidine or Purine
- Nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic molecules
- Planar or almost planar structures
- Absorb UV light around 250-270 nm
Which Nucleic Acids are Pyrimidines? (Know the differences between them)
- Cytosine (Amino Group on the 4’ Carbon)
- Thymine (Double Bonded Oxygen on 4’ Carbon and a Methyl Group on the 5’ Carbon)
- Uracil (Double Bonded Oxygen on 4’ Carbon)
(All only have one ring)
Know structures of deoxy/ribonucleotides. (One of them just has one less oxygen and when named has a d in front so keep that in mind)
-Deoxyadenylate
Symbols - A, dA, dAMP
Nucleoside - Deoxyadenoside
-Deoxyguanylate
Symbols - G, dG, dGMP
Nucleoside - Deoxyguanosine
-Deoxythymidylate
Symbols - T, dT, dTMP
Nucleoside - Deoxythymidine
-Deoxycytidylate
Symbols - C, dC, dCMP
Nucleoside - Deoxycytidine
How is the pentose ring attached to the nitrogenous base?
N-glycosidic Bond
Which conformation (syn or anti) is commonly found in normal B-DNA?
Anticonformation
How do Prototropic Tautomers differ?
They differ in the location of protons
In what direction is DNA read?
5’ to 3’
How many bonds in DNA rotate freely?
Six
What does “Sugar Puckering” mean?
The ring structure of sugars is not planar. One of the carbons is raised/lowered
Is A, B, or Z the usual conformation of DNA?
B
