Module 5 Flashcards
What are the building blocks of nucleic acids?
Nucleotides
Nucleotides assemble to form nucleic acids, which store and transmit genetic information.
What are the components of a nucleotide?
A nitrogen-containing base, a 5-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group
These components are essential for the structure of nucleotides.
What are the four bases of DNA?
Adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)
These bases are critical for DNA structure and function.
What type of structure do purines have?
Double-ring structure
Adenine and guanine are classified as purines.
What type of structure do pyrimidines have?
Single-ring structure
Cytosine and thymine are classified as pyrimidines.
What sugar is incorporated into nucleotides in DNA?
Deoxyribose
This sugar is specific to DNA nucleotides.
What type of bonds join nucleotides to form nucleic acids?
Phosphodiester bonds
These bonds link successive nucleotides in a linear strand of DNA.
Fill in the blank: Successive nucleotides are linked by _______ to form a linear strand of DNA.
Phosphodiester bonds
This linkage is crucial for the formation of DNA strands.
What are the two ends of a DNA strand called?
5’-phosphate group and 3’-hydroxyl group
What do nucleotide triphosphates react with to extend a DNA strand?
A strand of DNA
What bond is formed in the DNA backbone during nucleotide addition?
Phosphodiester bond
How is genetic information stored in nucleic acids?
In the sequence or order of the nucleotides
What shape does cellular DNA take?
Double helix
How do the two strands of DNA run in a double helix?
Antiparallel directions
In a DNA double helix, which bases pair together?
A pairs with T, and G pairs with C
What type of polymer is RNA, similar to DNA?
Polymer of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds
What sugar does RNA incorporate instead of deoxyribose?
Ribose
What base does RNA use instead of thymine?
Uracil
How many strands does DNA typically have?
Double stranded
How many strands does RNA typically have?
Single stranded
