A1.2 Nucleic Acid Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the sugar-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid molecule?
The sugar-phosphate backbone is formed when the phosphate group of one nucleotide forms a covalent bond to the pentose sugar of the next in a nucleic acid polymer.
What are the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?
The nitrogenous bases in DNA are:
adenine (A)
guanine (G)
cytosine (C)
thymine (T)
What are the nitrogenous bases found in RNA?
The nitrogenous bases in RNA are:
adenine (A)
guanine (G)
cytosine (C)
uracil (U)
How is the genetic code carried in DNA molecules?
The genetic code in DNA molecules is carried as a sequence of nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine).
What does it mean that the genetic code is universal?
The genetic code is universal, meaning that almost every organism uses the same code.
What does it mean to say that a genetic sequence is highly conserved?
A genetic sequence that is highly conserved is one that is the same across many groups of organisms.
How does the pentose sugar differ between DNA and RNA?
DNA contains deoxyribose as its pentose sugar, while RNA contains ribose.
Why is complementary base pairing important for DNA replication?
Complementary base pairing allows DNA to be copied during replication, ensuring accurate copying and therefore expression of the genetic code in new cells.
