1.8 Nucleic Acids

Question 1

What are nucleic acids?

Answer 1

They are large biological molecules that store and transmit genetic info
•
Help control cell functions & pass traits to next generation

Question 2

What are Nucleic acids made of?

Answer 2

Nucleotides

Question 3

What are 2 types of nucleic acids (& functions)

Answer 3

1. DNA: stores hereditary info & provides instructions for making proteins (in nucleus & cytoplasm)
   •
2. RNA: Helps express genetic info by carrying DNA’s instructions to make proteins
   (In nucleus & cytoplasm)

Question 4

What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide? (Draw)

Answer 4

1. Phosphate
2. Pentose sugar
3. Nitrogenous base

Question 5

What is the covalent link between nucleotides?

Answer 5

phoshodiester bond

Question 6

What are the different nitrogenous bases?

Answer 6

Uracil (in RNA ONLY)
Thymine (in DNA ONLY)
Cytosine (in BOTH)
Guanine (in BOTH)
Adenine (in BOTH)

Question 7

Explain the structure of DNA (4)

Answer 7

• Double Helix
• 2 Strands facing opposite directions
  •
• Strands held together by H bonds between bases
  •
• Sugar phosphate groups form structual backbone

Question 8

Explain the structure & types of RNA

Answer 8

• Single Stranded
  mRNA: brings genetic code to ribosome
  •
  tRNA: brings amino acid to ribosome
  •
  rRNA: formes w ribosome & catalyzes protein synthesis

Question 9

What do nucleotides form?

Answer 9

They form ATP & GTP (main energy carriers in cells)

Question 10

What’s the difference between DNA’s vs RNA’s Pentose sugar

Answer 10

RNA has an extra OH on the 2nd carbon