Nucleic Acids Flashcards
What are nucleic acids?
informational macromolecules (they contain the instructions to build proteins)
What is an example of a nucleic acid
DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid)
What are the monomers of nucleic acids?
nucleotides
What are nucleotides composed of?
A sugar (ribose in RNA - deoxyribose in DNA)
A phosphate
A nitrogenous base
(recall A, C, T, G in DNA and A, C, U, G in RNA)
Genetic information can be stored in which two forms?
DNA and RNA Deoxyribose nucleic acid Ribose nucleic acid
What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA contains one less oxygen atom in its sugar ring as compared to RNA (deoxy means without oxygen)
The base Thyamine is replaced by Uracil in RNA
What is DNA?
A polymer of DNA nucleotides
A double-stranded molecule, twisted into a double helix with neighboring bases connecting via hydrogen bonds
T always pairs with A
C always pairs with G
What is the function of DNA?
replicate (make copies before cell division) act as a blueprint for protein synthesis (Make proteins) mutate - create variation
What is ATP?
Adenosine Triphosphate it is an important nucleic acid that remains as a monomer (a nucleotide)
What does ATP do?
it is the energy currency of our cells - it is what is produced by the mitochondria of the cell through cellular respiration
Why is it called adenosine triphosphate?
because it has 3 phosphates attached to its sugar molecule.
What are the 5 nitrogenous bases?
Cytosine Thymine Uracil Adenine Guanine
