2b: DNA and RNA Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotide monomers that store genetic information and aid in the production of proteins.
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
The two types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
What is the structure of a nucleotide?
Every nucleotide includes a phosphate group, a five-carbon (pentose) sugar, and a nitrogen-containing base.
What is the significance of the 3’ and 5’ ends of nucleotides?
The 3’ and 5’ ends contribute to the directional nature of nucleic acids.
What type of bond joins nucleotides together?
Nucleotides are joined together by strong covalent bonds known as phosphodiester bonds.
What is the sugar-phosphate backbone?
The sugar-phosphate backbone is formed by the linkage of sugars and phosphate groups in nucleic acids.
What is the structure of DNA?
DNA consists of two strands of nucleotides bonded together via complementary base pairing, forming a double-helix.
How is DNA organized in eukaryotic cells?
In eukaryotic cells, DNA is packaged into 46 chromosomes, each containing many genes.
What are the base pairing rules in DNA?
Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C).
What is the human nuclear genome size?
The human nuclear genome is approximately three billion base pairs long.
What is RNA primarily involved in?
RNA is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins.
What are the different types of RNA?
The different types of RNA include messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
What is the main difference between RNA and DNA?
RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil instead of thymine, while DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine.
What is the difference between ribose and deoxyribose sugar?
The main difference is the presence or absence of an oxygen atom at the 2’ position of the five-carbon sugar.
What is the complete set of DNA in an organism called?
The complete set of DNA in an organism is referred to as the genome.
