Nucleic acids Flashcards
1
Q
What elements make up nucleic acids?
A
C H O N P
2
Q
Describe the structure of a nucleotide
A
- pentose monosaccharide (5 carbons)
- inorganic phosphate (acidic and negatively charged)
- nitrogenous base (2 or more carbon rings and nitrogen)
3
Q
What is a nucleotide?
A
The monomers that make link together in a chain to make polynucleotides and large nucleic acids
4
Q
How are nucleotides linked together?
A
Condensation reactions
5
Q
Explain links between phosphates of the nucleotides
A
Phosphate group ant 5th carbon of pentode sugar forms a COVALENT bind with OH group at 3rd carbon of pentose sugar. These are PHOPHODIESTER BINDS
6
Q
How are individual nucleotides released?
A
HYDROLYSIS breaks phosphodiester bonds
7
Q
What does DNA stand for ?
A
Deoxyribonnucleic acid
8
Q
What is the sugar in DNA and why is it different to RNA?
A
Deoxyribose has one less oxygen than ribose.
