DNA & RNA structure and function

Question 1

Why did scientists doubt that DNA carried the genetic code

Answer 1

Seemed too simple

Sugar phosphate backbone same in all organisms, sequence highly variable

Question 2

Two main functions of DNA

Answer 2

Replicate information to pass onto offspring

Carry genetic information to make proteins

Question 3

DNA features

Answer 3

Long molecule

Sugar-phosphate backbone held by phosphodiester bonds

Helix/coiling

Variable sequence of bases

Complementary base pairing

Many hydrogen bonds

Hydrogen bonds individually weak

Double helix

Question 4

Long molecule

Answer 4

Can store lots of information to make lots of different proteins

Question 5

Sugar-phosphate backbone held by phosphodiester bonds

Answer 5

Gives strength & stability to the molecule as phosphodiester bonds are very strong

Question 6

Helix/coiling

Answer 6

Allows compact shape

Question 7

Variable sequence of bases

Answer 7

Allows information on different proteins to be stored

Question 8

Complementary base pairing

Answer 8

Enables RNA replication and transcription

Question 9

Many hydrogen bonds

Answer 9

Gives molecule stability

Question 10

Hydrogen bonds individually weak

Answer 10

Allows DNA to unwind in replication & transcription

Question 11

Double helix

Answer 11

Gives stability as weaker H bonds are protected by strong phosphodiester bonds