Questions and Answers
Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast DNA and RNA: DNA pairs with _____ while RNA pairs with _____.
Thymine, Uracil
What are the base pairing rules of DNA?
Uracil pairs with guanine while thymine pairs with adenine.
Provide an example of a strand of DNA with its complementary strand.
ATCGTTAAGGGACTC, TAGCAATTCCCTGAG
Describe the difference between purines and pyrimidines.
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Explain the structure of a DNA molecule.
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Summarize the process of DNA replication.
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Describe the difference between the leading strand and lagging strand.
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DNA replication is considered semi-conservative.
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What is a nucleic acid?
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What is a nucleotide?
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What is a chromosome?
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What is a gene?
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What is an RNA primer?
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What are Okazaki fragments?
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Study Notes
Comparison of DNA and RNA
- DNA pairs thymine with adenine; RNA pairs uracil with adenine.
- DNA is double-stranded; RNA is single-stranded.
- Both contain guanine paired with cytosine and include adenine.
Base Pairing Rules of DNA
- Uracil pairs with guanine; thymine pairs with adenine.
- Example DNA strand: atcgttaagggactc
Complementary strand: tagcaattccctgag
Nucleotide Structure
- A nucleotide consists of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Purines vs. Pyrimidines
- Purines: Larger bases, include adenine and guanine.
- Pyrimidines: Smaller bases, include cytosine and thymine.
DNA Molecule Structure
- DNA has a double helix shape.
- Sugar and phosphate create the DNA backbone.
- Nitrogen bases attach to the sugar; connected by covalent bonds.
- Base pairs are linked by weaker hydrogen bonds, with strands running anti-parallel (3' and 5').
DNA Replication Process
- Helicase unzips the DNA strand.
- Primase and DNA polymerase locate complementary bases and bind them.
- Results in two identical DNA molecules, each consisting of one old and one new strand.
- Critical for cell multiplication and genetic continuity.
Leading Strand vs. Lagging Strand
- Leading strand is synthesized smoothly by DNA polymerase from 3' to 5'.
- Lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) in the opposite direction, hence 'lagging'.
Semi-Conservative DNA Replication
- Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Nucleic Acid Definition
- Macromolecule that carries genetic information, primarily in the form of DNA.
Nucleotide Definition
- Basic building block of nucleic acids composed of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.
Chromosome Definition
- Structures formed by tightly coiled strands of DNA, crucial for cell division.
Gene Definition
- Segments of DNA that encode instructions for protein synthesis.
RNA Primer Function
- Short RNA sequences that initiate the binding of DNA polymerase for replication.
Okazaki Fragments
- Short segments of DNA formed on the lagging strand during replication.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of DNA and RNA through this unit study guide. This resource includes flashcards that detail base pairing rules and compare the structures of DNA and RNA. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of molecular biology.
