2.1 - Structure Of RNA And DNA Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the main role of RNA
Plays as important role in the production of proteins
What is the main role of DNA
Carries genetic information
How is DNA instantly recognisable
Its double helix structure
What are DNA and RNA?
Nucleic acids
What is DNA made up of?
Nucleotides that have just three basic components
What is the nucleotide structure
- Pentose sugar (5 carbon atoms)
- Phosphate group
- Nitrogen containing organic base
The pentose sugar, phosphate group and organic base are joined by what?
Condensation reaction to form a mono-nucleotide
How are two mononucleotides joined?
Condensation reaction between deoxyribose sugar of one mononucleotide and phosphate group of another
What bond is formed between mononucleotides?
Phosphodiester bond
What is the structure of RNA
- Short, single polynucleotide chain
- Ribose sugar
- The organic base U
What is the structure of DNA
Two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix joined by hydrogen bonds between the bases
Why is DNA a stable molecule?
- the phosphodiester backbone protects the more chemically reactive organic bases inside the double helix
- hydrogen bonds link the bases forming bridges between the phosphodiester uprights
How many hydrogen bonds between C and G pairings? What does this mean?
- 3 hydrogen bonds
- the higher the proportion of C - G pairings, the more stable the DNA structure
How is DNA adapted to carry out its functions
- Very stabe structure - passes information with rarely mutates
- Base pairing - DNA able to replicate and transfer information as mRNA
- Long molecule - can carry a-lot of genetic material
The function of DNA depends on what?
The sequence of base pairs
