Biochemistry Module 5: Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

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What is the phosphate group attached to in a nucleotide?

The 5'-OH of a nucleoside (correct)

The 3'-OH of a nucleoside

The sugar molecule

The nitrogen-containing base

What type of linkage connects the sugar molecules in a polynucleotide?

Glycosidic linkage

Phosphodiester linkage (correct)

Peptide bond

Hydrogen bond

What is the function of the sequence of bases in DNA?

To facilitate protein synthesis

To carry genetic information (correct)

To regulate gene expression

To provide structural support

What is the orientation of the two strands in a DNA molecule?

Anti-parallel Signup and view all the answers

Who contributed to the discovery of DNA's structure using X-ray crystallography?

Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the DNA molecule?

A right-handed double helix Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

To carry information from DNA to the ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of removing introns from an hnRNA molecule and joining the exons together?

Splicing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA in an organism?

To store and transmit genetic information from one generation to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules?

Cloverleaf Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a pyrimidine derivative?

Use of the suffix '-idine' Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a sequence of three nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid?

Codon Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells?

Chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

To provide the site for polypeptide assembly Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the complex of snRNA and proteins that is involved in splicing?

Splicesome Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a nucleoside and a nucleotide?

A nucleoside is formed by joining a monosaccharide with a nitrogen-base, while a nucleotide is a single nitrogen-base Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of RNA in an organism?

To translate genetic information into proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a deoxyribonucleoside?

Addition of the prefix 'deoxy-' Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a tRNA molecule brings the first amino acid to the ribosome?

Initiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a stop codon in translation?

To terminate protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are added to a DNA molecule?

Insertion mutation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a silent mutation on the organism?

Negligible effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nonsense mutation?

A stop codon, terminating protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of transferring genetic information from RNA to a sequence of amino acids in a protein?

Translation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a deletion mutation occurs in a DNA molecule?

One or more nucleotides are lost from the DNA molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a virus?

It is incapable of replicating alone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

To amplify a specific portion of a DNA molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA that contains segments from more than one source. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a vaccine?

To prevent a disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the end result of DNA fingerprinting?

A set of horizontal bands on an X-ray film. Signup and view all the answers