NUCLEIC ACID Flashcards
are naturally occurring chemical
compounds that serve as the primary information-
carrying molecules in cells for cellular growth and
reproduction.
Nucleic acid
TWO MAIN CLASSES OF NUCLEIC ACIDS:
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Nucleic acids are long chainlike
polymers composed of a series
of nearly identical building blocks
or monomers called __________.
Nucleotides
A nucleotide consists of ?
a nitrogenous
base, a pentose sugar and a
phosphate group
There are two related pentose
sugars:
- RNA contains ribose
- DNA contains deoxyribose
Two general types of nitrogen bases
Purines and Pyrimidines
Is quickly oxidized outside the
nucleus but has a higher resistance to
photochemical mutation and makes the
genetic code more durable
Thymine
• This chemical substance is present in the nucleus
of all cells in all living organisms
DNA
In eukaryotic cells, DNA are located in?
NUCLEUS
In prokaryotes, DNA is located in?
in central area of the cell called NUCLEOID
Properties of DNA
• The strands of DNA are antiparallel
• The strands are complimentary
• There are Hydrogen bond forces
• There are 10 base pairs per turn
It plays a key role in turning DNA
instructions into functional
proteins.
RNA
Type of RNA that Helps
make proteins by directing which
proteins are made.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
Type of RNA that makes up
the ribosomes: the organelles that
help make proteins
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Type of RNA that Brings
amino acids to ribosomes during
translation (protein synthesis).
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
