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A-level Biology - topic 4 > DNA structure and function > Flashcards

DNA structure and function Flashcards

1
Q

what does DNA stand for ?

A

Deoxyribonucleic acid

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2
Q

what does DNA code for ?

A

DNA codes for the sequence of amino acids in the primary structure of a protein

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3
Q

what does the coding of the primary structure determine ?

A

it determines the final 3D structure and function of a protein

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4
Q

what is it essential that cells contain ?

A

it is essential that cells contain a copy of the genetic code and that it can be passed onto new cells without being damaged

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5
Q

What is the DNA polymer ?

A

a double helix

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6
Q

what is the name of the monomer that makes up DNA ?

A

a nucleotide

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7
Q

what does the nucleotide consist of ?

A
  • deoxyribose ( pentose sugar)
  • a nitrogenous base
  • 1 phosphate group
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8
Q

what are the possible nitrogenous bases ?

A
  • guanine
  • cytosine
  • thymine
  • adenine
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9
Q

draw the structure of a nucleotide

A

consolidate notes

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10
Q

what is the name of the nucleotide polymer ?

A

polynucleotide

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11
Q

what kind of reaction is the polynucleotide created by ?

A

via a condensation reaction

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12
Q

formation of polynucleotides
- between which molecules does the condensation reaction occur ?

A

between the deoxyribose sugar and the phosphate group

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13
Q

what kind of bond is formed between the deoxyribose sugar and the phosphate group in the formation of polynucleotides ?

A

a phosphodiester covalent bond

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14
Q

what are the properties of phosphodiester bonds and what do they ensure ?

A
  • phosphodiester bonds are strong covalent bonds
  • therefore ensure that the genetic code is not broken down as the nucleotides are held strongly together
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15
Q

what happens in a condensation reaction ?

A

a water molecule is removed to form a bond and join 2 molecules together

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16
Q

sometimes the polynucleotide is described to have a… ?

A

sugar- phosphate backbone

17
Q

what does the sugar phosphate backbone refer to ?

A

its describing the strong covalent bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups that hold the polymer together

18
Q

what do DNA polymers occur in ? How many monomers is the polymer made up of ?

A

DNA polymers occur in pairs

19
Q

How are the 2 DNA monomers / nucleotides joined together ?

A

they are joined together by hydrogen bonds between the complimentary base pairs

20
Q

what does the joining of 2 nucleotides with hydrogen bonds create ?

A

it creates the double helix structure as the 2 chains twist

21
Q

what are the complimentary base pairs ?

A
  • cytosine and guanine
  • adenine and thymine
22
Q

how many hydrogen bonds are there in between guanine and cytosine ?

A

3 hydrogen bonds

23
Q

how many hydrogen bonds are there between adenine and thymine ?

A

2 hydrogen bonds

24
Q

why is the complimentary base pairing important ?

A

it is important to help maintain the order of the genetic code when DNA replicates

25
Q

how does the stable structure relate to its function ?

A

stable structure due to the phosphodiester bonds creating the sugar-phosphate backbone ( covalent bonds) and the double helix which means the stronger covalent bonds are on the outside of the helix and the hydrogen bonds are protected on the inside

26
Q

why is DNA a double stranded molecule ?

A

it is double stranded so replication can occur using one strand as a template to create identical copies of new DNA

27
Q

why does DNA have weak hydrogen bonds that are formed between the bases ?

A

weak hydrogen bonds for easy unzipping of the 2 strands in a double helix replication

28
Q

why is DNA a very large molecule ?

A

large molecule to carry lots of information

29
Q

why does DNA have complimentary base pairing ?

A

complimentary base pairing allows identical copies to be made

30
Q

what do base pairs hold ?

A

the genetic information

31
Q

how do poly-nucleotide strands run ?

A

they run anti-parallel so they run in opposite directions

A-level Biology - topic 4 (12 decks)

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