module 2 - 3.8 nucleic acids Flashcards
what type of reaction is the synthesis of DNA?
anabolic
how many chromosomes does almost every human cell contain?
46
how many nucleotides does almost every human cell contain?
3 billion
what is the length DNA in almost every human cell?
2 metres
what is DNA?
the genetic material within organisms
why is base pairing important?
allows the molecule to replicate
what are nucleotides a type of?
monomers
what happens to nucleic acids under neutral conditions?
- the remaining OH group of the phosphate is deprotonated
- the oxygen atom has a negative charge
how to base pairs form? (which bond)
they hydrogen bond with each other
what are nucleic acids?
polymers of nucleotides
how are nucleotides joined together?
by condensation reactions that make PHOSPHODIESTER BONDS
how are nucleic acids broken down?
by hydrolysis reactions that break the phosphodiester bonds
what are the 3 subunits in a single nucleotide?
- an organic pentose monosaccharide (sugar)
- an inorganic phosphate group PO4^2-
- an inorganic nitrogenous base
what does organic mean?
carbon based
what does inorganic mean?
not carbon based
where are nucleotides from?
food
what happens once nucleotides have been broken down in food?
rebuilt for chromosomes in the body and rebuild into nucleic acids
which position is the phosphate at?
5 prime carbon
what is the difference in number of strands between DNA and RNA?
DNA - double stranded
RNA - single stranded
what is the different pentose sugars in DNA and RNA?
DNA - deoxyribose sugar
RNA - ribose sugar
what is the difference in nitrogenous bases between DNA and RNA?
DNA - adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine
RNA - adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine
where is DNA found?
in the nucleus