Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) Flashcards
Define deoxyribose
A pentose sugar/monosaccharide that DOES NOT have a hydroxyl group. (reduced)
How many chromosomes do we have?
46….? (diploid)
Define genome
the complete set of genetic information in an organism
What is the purpose of decoding genomes?
To cure dieases (the basic of the basic stuff)
compare and comtrast ribose vs deoxyribose
Compare:
- ribose and deoxyribose are both sugars
Differentiate:
- ribose has an oxidized hydrogen atom (OH)
- deoxyribose is a reduced hydrogen atom
Outline the four biomolecules
_ carbs
- lipids
- proteins
- nucleic acids
Outline the two types of nucleic acids
RNA, DNA
Briefly differntiate RNA and DNA on terms of structure
DNA - double helix
RNA - single stranded
Describe the functions of nucleic acids
1.) Pass the genetic information from one generation to another;
- DNA replication
- during the s-phase (synthesis phase)
- semi-conservative
2.) To give the code for the production of proteins (translations);
- Translation
- the nitrogenous bases of the DNA and RNA will create sequences of nitro bases (ie. codons) so that it can code into proteins
Describe semi-conservative
The old strands as templates for new DNA
- the DNA will unwind into separate helixes to form new strands
- Old OLD
NEW NEW
Describe codon
A sequence of nitrogenous bases to code into a certain amino acid
- the order can be different but the letters are the same
- we all share the same genetic code, it’s just the sequencing is different
(e.g. ATT vs TAT) or (e.g. AGC vs ACG)
Define DNA transcription
- RNA copies code from DNA
- to become mRNA (or messenger RNA)
- and bring it to ribosomes via cytoplasm for protein synthesis
Define RNA translation
Genetic information of RNA is used for protein synthesis
Differentiate DNA and RNA on terms of structure and function [4]
DNA:
- passes hereditary info (genetic info of traits to be passed down) between generations of cells
- codes to make RNA during transcription
- double stranded, deoxyribose sugar
RNA:
- makes proteins during translation
- mRNA, rRNA, tRNA
- single stranded, ribose sugar
Define mRNA, rRNA and tRNA
mRNA - messenger rna
rRNA - ribosome RNA
tRNA - transfer RNA
Describe the Hershey-Chase experiment (short ver.)
- Before: Protein = genetic material in the 1940s
- PROCESS: viruses and bacteria where put in a solution -> bacteria infected with virus’ genetic material -> centrifuge to reveal what is inside the pellets (concentrated cells). -> DNA entered but protein didn’t
- RESULTS: DNA is the genetic material
Why was proteins considered the genetic material?
it has 20 types of amino acids and DNA only had 4 nitrogenous bases
Define what is a LUCA
the ancestor that all organisms share their DNA with
DNA is universal to life
- all organisms use DNA
- Therefore, LUCA evidence is the use of genetic code
- the more similar the DNA sequence, the more closely related they are
Why are viruses not living things?
Not made of cells
What are the common components of viruses
- nucleic acids
- protein coats
Define replicators
a component that facilitates self-replication
why do antibiotics not work on viruses
Because the viruses don’t have a membrane and the antibiotic attacks the plasma membrane
Describe the structure of nucleotides
!.) nitrogenous base
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T) — ONLY FOR DNA
- Uracil (U)
_ Guanine (G)
_ Cytosine (C)
2.) Pentose sugar (ribose or deoxyribose)
3.) Negatively-charged phosphate
What are nucleic acids’ monomer?
Nucleotides
Differentiate RNA and DNA on terms of sugar
Ribose - RNA
Deoxyribose - DNA
Outline the two types of nitrogenous bases
- must be paired w the opposite type
1.) Purine
- A + G
2.) Pyrimidine
- C + T
Why does the RNA have bonding of nitro bases?
During transcription
What is the difference between carbohydrates and lipids on terms of their chemical structure
Lipids have more hydrogen to oxygen
What are the chemical elements present in the nucleotide
CHONP
- carbon
- hydrogen
- oxygen
- nitrogen
- phosphate