Biology Flashcards: RNA and DNA Functions

Questions and Answers

What is the biggest job RNA and DNA have inside of cells?

Making proteins inside the cells.

What is the second thing RNA and DNA do?

They make up our genes.

What do all living things have in common?

All living things have DNA.

What are the building blocks (monomers) of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 different nitrogen bases that make up a DNA strand?

Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. Signup and view all the answers

How are nucleotides bonded to make RNA?

Through dehydration reaction. Signup and view all the answers

How is DNA put together?

A nucleotide is attached upside down to the base, forming hydrogen bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Why do scientists think we have DNA?

Because they think life started with RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 main differences between RNA and DNA?

RNA has uracil, is a single helix, and is found everywhere in cells. DNA has thymine, is a double helix, and is found in the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate. Signup and view all the answers

What does ATP do?

ATP is the main source of energy in cells. Signup and view all the answers

Proteins are built by?

Amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What do we get when we eat food and what do we do then?

We get amino acids from our diet and break them down into amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What are three components of amino acids that are the same?

The alpha carbon, the amino group, and the carboxyl group. Signup and view all the answers

How many amino acids are there?

<ol start="20"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What part is different in amino acids?

The R group. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how two or more amino acids are bonded together.

Through dehydration synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

When you bond a bunch of amino acids together, the molecule is called a and they are held together by bonds. These molecules are usually __ of amino acids long.

polypeptide; peptide; hundreds to thousands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a polypeptide and a protein?

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids, while a protein is made up of chains of polypeptides folded into a specific shape. Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine how a polypeptide is folded?

The characteristics of the R group. Signup and view all the answers

The shape of a polypeptide determines its?

Function. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a polypeptide is 'denatured'?

It will no longer work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RNA and DNA Functions

DNA and RNA are essential for protein synthesis within cells.
DNA provides the genetic instructions; RNA acts as the worker carrying those instructions.

Genetic Inheritance

RNA and DNA contribute to the formation of genes, which are hereditary units.
Individual DNA is inherited from both parents, creating a unique combination from each.

Universal Presence of DNA

All living organisms possess DNA as a fundamental component of life.

Building Blocks of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are constructed from monomers called nucleotides.

Nitrogen Bases in DNA

DNA contains four nitrogen bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
In RNA, uracil replaces thymine found in DNA.

Nucleotide Bonding in RNA

Nucleotides bond through a dehydration reaction, resulting in covalent bonds between pentose sugars and phosphates.

DNA Structure

DNA is assembled with its nucleotides forming hydrogen bonds between specific bases: adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine.

Evolution of DNA

Scientists hypothesize DNA evolved from RNA, with RNA initially encoding information before the formation of double-stranded DNA.
The backbone of DNA is composed of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Differences between RNA and DNA

RNA has uracil, is single-stranded, and is found throughout the cell.
DNA has thymine, is a double helix structure, and is localized in the nucleus.

ATP Structure and Function

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, consists of three phosphate groups, ribose, and adenine.
Serves as the primary energy currency of cells.

Protein Synthesis

Proteins are constructed from amino acids, which are their basic building blocks.
Dietary sources provide amino acids, which are broken down to form new proteins.

Amino Acid Structure

Amino acids share three common components:
- Alpha carbon with a hydrogen,
- Amino group with nitrogen,
- Carboxyl group with carbon and oxygen/hydrogen.

Amino Acid Count

There are a total of 20 different amino acids.

Variation in Amino Acids

The distinctive feature of each amino acid is the R group, which provides different chemical properties.

Polypeptide Formation

Amino acids bond through dehydration synthesis with the assistance of ribosomes during protein synthesis.
The resulting structure from this process is a polypeptide, held together by peptide bonds.

Distinction Between Polypeptide and Protein

A polypeptide is a simple chain of amino acids.
A protein consists of one or more polypeptides folded into a specific three-dimensional shape.

Polypeptide Folding

Folding of polypeptides is dictated by the sequence of amino acids and the properties of their R groups.
The specific shape is determinant for the protein's function.

Denaturation of Polypeptides

Extreme temperatures or pH levels can lead to denaturation, rendering the polypeptide nonfunctional.

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Description

This quiz explores the crucial roles of RNA and DNA in cellular processes, focusing on protein synthesis and genetic composition. Delve into how these molecules contribute to our genes and their essential functions within cells.