Nucleic Acids

Question 1

Why did scientists doubt the structure of the genetic code

Answer 1

The structure of DNA was relatively simple

Question 2

What is the function of DNA

Answer 2

Hereditary material responsible for passing on genetic material

Question 3

Explain how the structure of DNA is related to its functions

6 points

Answer 3

Very long - carries a lot of genetic information
Double helix - compact, carries a lot of genetic material in small area
Hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases - allows DNA helicase to cut them so DNA can replicate
Base sequence codes for amino acids
Sugar phosphate backbone protects bases so genetic material is not corrupted or damaged
Double stranded - allows DNA to replicate semi conservatively

Question 4

Describe semi conservative replication

Answer 4

The enzyme DNA helicase breaks hydrogen bonds between the base pairs separating the double helix into two separated unwinded strands

The two polynucleotide strands act as a template which are joined to new complimentary nucleotides by the enzyme DNA polymerase. This forms new polynucleotide strands attaching to the old polynucleotide stands

There are now two separate DNA molecules each with half of the original DNA and half with the new DNA

Question 5

Why don’t the base pairs in RNA have equal percentages?

Answer 5

Bases are not complimentary so there are not equal amounts