Nucleic Acids Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is a phosphodiester bond?

A

A covalent bond formed between two nucleotides in a condensation reaction. (5 C phosphate group to 3 C)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the function of nucleic acids?

A

The storage and transfer of genetic information and synthesis of proteins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the structure of a nucleotide.

A

A nucleotide molecule (can be DNA or RNA) consist of a pentose sugar, a nitrogen containing base and a phosphate group.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the differences between DNA and RNA?

A

DNA:

  • Double Stranded
  • Larger Molecule (cannot exit nuclear pores)
  • Contains Thymine
  • Contains Deoxyribose pentose sugar
  • Requires DNA Polymerase
  • Found in chromosomes in nucleus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the function of DNA?

A

To store genetic information and code for the production of proteins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the structure of DNA?

A
  • Two polypeptide chains
  • Anti-parallel formation
  • Hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogen containing bases (Allows DNA to be transcribed)
  • Double helix structure.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the structure of ATP?

A

A ribose sugar, a nitrogen containing base (adenine) and three inorganic phosphate groups.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the purpose of ATP?

A

An immediate source of energy for metabolic reactions and synthesis of biological molecules.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does the structure of ATP make it a good source for energy?

A
  • The bonds between the phosphate groups have a low activation energy so they are easily hydrolysed to release energy
  • Small, moves easily out of cells
  • Water soluble
  • Contains bonds between phosphates with immediate E, large enough to be sufficient for cellular respiration, but not so large to waste E as heat
  • Releases energy in small quantities
  • Easily regenerated
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which bases are the pyrimidines?

A

Smaller bases which contain single carbon ring structures:
- T,C,U

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which bases are the purines?

A

Larger bases which contain double carbon ring structures
- A,G

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why must a purine always bond to a pyrimidine?

A

Provide an even double helix, no bulges/unable to reach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is adenosine?

A

Adenine + Ribose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What do we use ATP/ Energy for?

A
  • Synthesis
  • Movement
  • Transport
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is ATP not a long term energy store?

What is our long term energy store?

A

Immediate because of instability of phosphate bonds

Fat!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the difference between DNA in prokaryotes and DNA in eukaryotes?

A

Prokaryotes:

  • Circular DNA with no free ends
  • Relatively short
  • Not bound to histones

Eukaryotes:

  • Linear DNA with two ends
  • Longer
  • Tightly wrapped around histone proteins
17
Q

What is the universal code?

A
  • 3 nucleotides code for one codon
  • Multiple amino acids code for the same codon
  • All organisms contain DNA
  • Non-overlapping
18
Q

What is the structure of ADP/ATP?

A

A ribose sugar, nitrogenous base and inorganic phosphates

19
Q

Explain semi-conservative DNA replication:

A
20
Q

Describe transcription:

A
21
Q

Describe translation:

A