Unit 3: DNA Structure and Function Flashcards
MCB 181R University of Arizona
The Structure of DNA
List the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA.
Stored in the sequence of nucleotide bases (A,C,G,T).
- Adeline
- Thymine
- Guanine
- Cytosine
How DNA got its name?
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid
D: Deoxyribose sugar
N: Nucleus
A: Negatively Charged
What are the three components of a DNA nucleotide?
Deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Deoxyribose sugar
The five - carbon sugar found in DNA nucleotides. It lacks an oxygen atom on the 2’ carbon compared to ribose.
What type of bonds connect nucleotides in a DNA strand?
Phosphodiester bonds (covalent bond)
What is the overall charge of a DNA molecule?
Negatively charged
Where is DNA located in the cell?
Nucleus
What typo of sugar is found in DNA?
Deoxyribose
How many strands make up a DNA molecule?
Two (double-stranded)
Describe the overall structure of DNA.
A double helix.
What do the 5’ and 3’ ends of a DNA strand refer to?
The 5’ end has a phosphate group, and the 3’ end has a hydroxyl (-OH) group on the deoxyribose sugar.
What parts of the DNA molecule contributes to its negative charge?
The phosphate groups
What makes up the backbone of a DNA strand?
Sugar and Phosphate groups.
What is the significance of complementary base pairing in DNA?
It allows for accurate DNA replication, transcription, and is involved with in RNA shape and function.
How is complementary base pairing used in transcription?
DNA is used as a temple to synthesize RNA, with complementary base pairing guiding the process (A with U in RNA, G with C).
How is complementary base paring used in translation?
tRNA anticodons pair with mRNA codons to bring the correct amino acids to the ribosome.
How do does complementary base pairing effect RNA share and function?
It allows RNA molecules to fold into specific 3D structures, which are essential their function.
Describes the structure of a DNA double helix.
Two strands of DNA wind around each other in a spiral shape, forming a double helix.
What does it mean to say that the strands of DNA are antiparallel?
The two strands run in opposite directions, with one strand oriented 5’ to 3’ and the other 3’ to 5’.
What type of bonds hold the base pairs together in a double helix?
Hydrogen bonds.
