What is the function of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)? And what does it contain?
DNA serves as the genetic material of all living organisms. It contains our genes, which are a code that will determine all of our characteristics.
DNA is a type of…
DNA is a type of biological macromolecule called a nucleic acid.
What are nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are chains of repeating monomers called nucleotides.
How do nucleotides form to make nucleic acids?
Nucleotides join together to form the nucleic acid polymer by a condensation reaction called polymerisation.
- Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids.
What are the two types of nucleic acids in living organisms?
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
-RNA (ribonucleic acid)
What are the three components of both DNA and RNA nucleotides?
- Pentose sugar - a simple sugar made up of five carbon atoms.
-Nitrogenous base - a molecule that contains nitrogen and acts as a base.
-Phosphate group - a functional group made up phosphorus and oxygen.
What does the simplified structure of a nucleotide look like?
A circle connected to a pentagon, connected to a rectangle.
By what are the nucleotide units linked together through? To form what? And what is released?
They are linked together through a covalent bond, to form a single strand of DNA and RNA. It releases one molecule of water within the use of energy.
What does the linking of nucleotides create?
The linking of nucleotides creates a continuous chain of covalently bonded atoms in each strand of DNA and RNA nucleotides, forming a strong sugar-phosphate backbone in the polymer of DNA and RNA.
What are the five different types of nitrogenous bases?
- Guanine
- Adenine
- Thymine
- Cytosine
- Uracil
How can the nitrogenous bases be classified?
- Purines - two rings in structure.
- pyrimidines - one ring in structure.
What are examples of pyrimidines (1) ?
Thymine, cytosine, and uracil.
What are examples of purines (2) ?
Adenine and guanine.
What does the sequence of nitrogenous bases form?
The sequence of nitrogenous bases forms the basis of the genetic code.
What is the pentose sugar and what are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?
- Deoxyribose.
- Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine.
What is the pentose sugar and what are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?
- Ribose.
- Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Uracil.
The DNA molecule is….
The DNA molecule is double-stranded, meaning it has two strands, and it is helical in shape.
By what are the two strands of the DNA molecule linked to each other? How are they paired up?
By complementary base pairing between nitrogenous bases.
- Adenine and thymine.
- Guanine and Cytosine.
By what are the complementary nitrogenous bases bonded in DNA?
Adenine binds with thymine, and guanine binds with cytosine by hydrogen bonding.
Why is the base pairing important?
The base pairing is important to stabilise the double helix structure of the DNA. The two strands run in opposite directs, meaning they are antiparallel.
What is the structure of RNA?
Single stranded molecule.
Why is complementary base pairing in DNA important for the functions of the cells?
During cell division, DNA undergoes replication (the copying of the DNA to double its amount and prepare for cell division). The accuracy of this replication is crucial for the cell as the base sequence should remain the same during cell divisions. Complementary base pairing plays a big role in maintaining the base sequence during the copying as adenine is with thymine and guanine is with cytosine.
How is complementarity important in gene expression?
Complementarity is also significant in gene expression , the process by which the genetic code in the DNA is translated into a protein. The gene can be expressed or not. Complementarity ensures that the same protein is produced each time a gene is expressed. Thus, the same protein is produced, which is significant as it maintains the characteristics of the cell and organism.
DNA can be used as a coding system….
DNA can be used as a coding system to store large amounts of data. But, it is limited in its capacity as there are a finite number of possible base sequence combinations.
