Structure and Function of DNA

Question 1

Explain the structure of DNA.

Answer 1

Consists of multiple subunits called nucleotides that join together to form long chains (polymers). The phosphate of one nucleotide attaches to the sugar of the next nucleotide in a line. Two nucleotide chains join together by the nitrogenous bases in a twisted double helix structure

Question 2

Explain complementary base paring

Answer 2

Nitrogenous Bases form weak hydrogen bonds with an appropriate partner:
Adenine - Thymine (2 Hbonds)
Guanine - Cytosine (3 HBonds)

Question 3

Explain what 5’ and 3’ means

Answer 3

Indicates the carbon numbers in the DNA’s sugar backbone which provides direction during DNA replication.
The 5’ carbon has a phosphate group attached to it
The 3’ carbon has a hydroxl group

Question 4

How do these factors come together to dictate function

Answer 4

Each species has identical amounts of Thymine and Adenine bases in their DNA, and also identical mounts of Guanine and Cytosine. It is the order of these different bases that determines how a polypeptide chain of amino acids is assembled.