Lec 4 Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
What is the function of DNA?
DNA encodes hereditary information and passes it from generation to generation. The information encoded in DNA specifies protein sequence.
What is the function of RNA?
RNA acts as an intermediate, transmitting information to the cell to provide code for protein production.
What are the four DNA bases?
Adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)
How do DNA bases pair?
Complementary base pairing: purines pair with pyrimidines by hydrogen bonding. A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
What is the main structural difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is typically single-stranded.
What are the main types of lipids?
Fats and oils, phospholipids, carotenoids, and steroids
What is the structure of a fatty acid?
Fatty acids have two chemically distinct regions: a long hydrocarbon chain (hydrophobic) and a carboxylic acid group (hydrophilic)
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in their carbon chain.
What is the structure of a phospholipid?
Phospholipids have a phosphate-containing compound replacing one of the fatty acids in a triglyceride, making them amphipathic with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.
What is the importance of phospholipids in cell biology?
Phospholipids form lipid bilayers, which are the basis for cell membrane formation.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a steroid that is an important part of animal cell membranes and serves as a precursor for hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
