DNA Flashcards
Four different nucleotides are found in DNA. In what ways do they differ?
They differ in their nitrogenous base content
What are the four different nucleotide bases in DNA?
Adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine
DNA is a polymer, and its monomers are…
nucleotides
What are the components of a single nucleotide?
A sugar (in DNA its deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
The molecules making up the sides of the ladder are __________________.
sugars and phosphates
Which shape indicates sugar?
pentagon
Which shape indicates a phosphate group?
circle
What is meant by the phrase “complementary base pairing”?
A always “pairs” (bonds) with T; G always “pairs” (bonds) with C. The base on one strand determines the base on the opposite/complementary strand.
Explain what is meant by antiparallel strands.
The two opposite/complementary strands run parallel to each other but in opposite directions. One strand runs 5’ to 3’ while the other runs 3’ to 5’. Like two-lane traffic on a road.
What is the specific information that is stored in the DNA of organisms?
The coding information for building proteins in a cell
DNA is found in all living organisms.
True
DNA codes the same way in all organisms.
True
DNA sequences are exactly the same in all organisms.
False
(They are different in each organisms)
In DNA, A pairs with G, and T pairs with C.
FALSE
(A goes with T/C goes with G)
In a double-stranded DNA molecule, a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine.
True
What are the purines of DNA and RNA
DNA & RNA - adenine and guanine
What are the pyrimidines of DNA and RNA
DNA - Cytosine and Thymine
RNA - Cytosine and Uracil
The sugar-phosphate backbone is held together by hydrogen bonds.
False
(covalent bonds)
Complementary base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds.
True
DNA is never subject to errors or mutations.
False
(There are errors that can cause genetic mutations)
What about DNA’s structure accounts for the diversity of life on Earth?
The variety in the sequence of DNA bases gives variety in the types of proteins that are built, which gives a variety of traits. The specific sequence of bases in a DNA molecule is what makes every organism different.
Chromosomes are made up of many _______ that code for different ________. The genes are composed of ______.
Genes
Proteins
DNA
The bases in parental DNA are held together by what type of bond (not shown)?
Hydrogen bonds
What happens to these bonds for replication to take place?
They break to “unzip” the two strands from each other