nucleic acids basics Flashcards
1
Q
define ‘nucleic acid’
A
a polymer made of nucleotides
2
Q
what is the role of nucleic acids
A
- stores and transports genetic information
- protein synthesis
3
Q
describe the properties of DNA
A
- contains genetic code
- found in nucleus
- double stranded (helix)
- antiparallel
- deoxyribose sugar
- strands held by hydrogen bonds
4
Q
what is the benefit of a double helix?
A
- compact
- accurate replication
5
Q
how many hydrogen bonds between A and T?
A
two
6
Q
how many hydrogen bonds between C and G?
A
three
7
Q
what is the size of the double helix?
A
2.0nm
8
Q
what is the size of 10 nucleotides?
A
3.4nm
9
Q
describe the properties of RNA
A
- in and out of nucleus
- single stranded
- ribose sugar
- A binds with U instead of T
- transfers genetic information
- copies of DNA called mRNA leave nucleus
- degraded in cytoplasm after use
10
Q
describe the generations in nitrogen replication
A
1 = band forms in the middle, equal amounts of light and heavy nitrogen
2 = 2 bands form, light at top and heavy in middle
3 = 2 bands form, light is thick at top and heavy in middle
