Biopolymer Structure and Monomer Chemistry
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Questions and Answers

What type of structure can linear informational biopolymers form in some cases?

  • Linear structures
  • Circular structures (correct)
  • Spiral structures
  • Branched structures

Which of the following correctly describes the joining sites of the monomers in informational biopolymers?

  • Both sites are identical
  • There are three different joining sites
  • A can join with A and B can join with B
  • The 5’ phosphate can join with the 3’ OH (correct)

What is the direction of polymer growth for nucleic acids?

  • To the 5’ end
  • Circularly
  • Bidirectional
  • To the 3’ end (correct)

What element forms the backbone of nucleic acid polymers?

<p>Pentose sugar phosphate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the asymmetry of informational biopolymer monomers?

<p>Monomers have two different joining sites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical chain length range for RNA?

<p>~20 to ~1000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the temperature at which DNA is one-half melted?

<p>Tm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nucleotides differ from each other primarily in what aspect?

<p>Presence of different heterocyclic bases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the 2’ hydroxyl significant in ribose compared to deoxyribose?

<p>It differentiates RNA from DNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bond holds the two strands of DNA together?

<p>Hydrogen bonds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two DNA strands described as in relation to their orientation?

<p>Antiparallel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which base pairs have three hydrogen bonds?

<p>G-C pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during DNA melting?

<p>Strands separate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of DNA structure is typically right-handed?

<p>B DNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might DNA have a higher melting temperature?

<p>Higher proportion of G-C pairs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA-binding proteins in relation to DNA?

<p>They can identify specific sequences without separating the strands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the information contained within an informational biopolymer?

<p>The order of the monomer units (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes informational biopolymers from other types of polymers?

<p>They have a unique sequence of different monomers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the common element in the structure of informational biopolymers?

<p>To form the polymer backbone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are informational biopolymers categorized as linear rather than branched?

<p>They are formed by monomers with two joining sites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if a monomer has only one joining site in its common element?

<p>Only two monomer units could be linked (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of polymers can cells create if the monomer has three joining sites?

<p>Branched polymers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the linear structure of informational biopolymers benefit scientific research?

<p>It results in more efficient packaging and handling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the relationship between the sequence of monomers and the type of information in the polymer?

<p>Different sequences result in different information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the main classes of amino acids?

<p>Their chemical properties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many hydrophobic amino acids are there among the main classes of amino acids?

<p>8 amino acids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the next amino acid get added in a growing protein chain?

<p>At the carboxyl end (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form are nucleotide monomers in before being incorporated into a nucleic acid chain?

<p>Nucleoside triphosphates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nucleoside triphosphate?

<p>dDT (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the outer two phosphates when a nucleoside triphosphate is incorporated into a growing chain?

<p>They are released (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for energized monomers to join a growing chain?

<p>Specific enzymes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

<p>To carry amino acids to ribosomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that DNA has greater stability compared to RNA?

<p>Absence of a 2’-OH group in DNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is crucial for the formation of the phosphodiester bond in nucleic acids?

<p>Hydroxyl group at the 3’ end (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes DNA from RNA in terms of nucleotide composition?

<p>Presence of thymine instead of uracil (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What terminus of a protein chain is responsible for the growth of the polymer?

<p>Carboxyl terminus (COOH) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of amino acids is critical for their role in protein synthesis?

<p>The diverse side chains (R groups) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of molecular structure, which of the following best describes the bond that links adjacent nucleotides in DNA?

<p>Phosphodiester bonds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the polarity of a short DNA molecule?

<p>It has both a 5’ end and a 3’ end (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 5’ phosphate play in DNA synthesis?

<p>It allows for the attachment of the next nucleotide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Amino Acid Classes

Amino acids are grouped into three classes based on their chemical properties: hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and special.

Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Hydrophobic amino acids have side chains that are nonpolar and tend to avoid water. They are often found buried within the interior of proteins.

Hydrophilic Amino Acids

Hydrophilic amino acids have side chains that are polar and attract water molecules. They are often found on protein surfaces.

Peptide Bond

A peptide bond is a covalent bond that links two amino acids. This forms the backbone of a protein.

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Protein Growth Direction

In a growing protein chain, new amino acids are added to the carboxyl end.

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Energized Monomers for Nucleic Acids

Nucleotide monomers are 'energized' as nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) to be incorporated into a growing nucleic acid chain.

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Energized Monomers for Proteins

Amino acid monomers are 'energized' as amino acyl-tRNA esters for incorporation into a growing protein chain.

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Enzyme Catalyzed Linkage

Even 'energized' monomers cannot join a growing chain on their own. A specific enzyme catalyzes the linkage reaction.

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Informational Polymer

A polymer made of multiple types of monomers where the order of monomers (sequence) carries information.

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Polymer

A large molecule made by linking together many smaller molecules called monomers.

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Monomer

The basic building block of a polymer.

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Common Element

The part of a monomer that is shared by all monomers of the same type of informational biopolymer.

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Characteristic Element

The part of a monomer that makes it unique from other monomers within the same class of informational biopolymer.

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Linear Polymer

A polymer where monomers are linked in a single, unbranched chain.

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Branched Polymer

A polymer where monomer chains branch off from the main chain.

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Sequence

The specific order of monomers in a polymer chain.

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What is DNA's structure?

DNA is a double-stranded helix, with two strands running in opposite directions (antiparallel), held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (A-T and G-C).

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What are the base pairing rules in DNA?

Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C).

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How many hydrogen bonds form between each base pair?

Adenine (A) and Thymine (T) have two hydrogen bonds, while Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C) have three hydrogen bonds.

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What is DNA denaturation?

The separation of the two DNA strands due to the breaking of hydrogen bonds between base pairs. This can be caused by heat or chemicals.

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What is DNA renaturation?

The re-association of separated DNA strands by the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs. This occurs when conditions are favorable for hydrogen bond formation.

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What is the Tm (melting temperature) in DNA?

The temperature at which half of the DNA molecules are denatured. It is influenced by the base composition of the DNA; a higher G-C content results in a higher Tm.

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How can DNA bind proteins?

Proteins can bind to specific DNA sequences by recognizing the grooves in the DNA double helix. These grooves expose different patterns of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors.

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What is the function of DNA polymerase?

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that replicates (copies) DNA by adding new nucleotides to a growing DNA strand based on the template strand.

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DNA vs. RNA: 2' OH

DNA lacks a hydroxyl group (OH) at the 2' carbon on its sugar molecule, making it more stable than RNA, which has this group. This difference in stability contributes to the different roles of DNA and RNA in cells.

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DNA vs. RNA: Bases

DNA and RNA differ in one of their bases: DNA contains thymine (T), while RNA contains uracil (U). Both are pyrimidines, but their chemical properties make DNA easier to repair when damage occurs.

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Nucleotide Linkage

Adjacent nucleotides in DNA and RNA are linked by phosphodiester bonds. This involves a phosphate group connecting the 5' carbon of one nucleotide to the 3' carbon of the next.

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DNA Polymerization Direction

New nucleotides are always added to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand. The 5' to 3' directionality is essential for DNA replication and repair.

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Amino Acid Structure

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They share a common structure: a central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R).

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Amino Acid Stereoisomers

Only L-isomers of amino acids are used in protein synthesis. The D-isomers are not found in nature.

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Amino Acid Polymerization: Direction

New amino acids are always added to the carboxyl (COOH) end of a growing protein chain. This directionality is crucial for protein synthesis.

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Amino Acid Side Chains

There are 20 different side chains (R groups) that determine the unique properties of each amino acid. These side chains influence protein structure and function.

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Circular DNA

A DNA molecule that is closed into a loop, where the ends of the linear molecule join together. Found in bacteria and some viruses.

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Informational Biopolymer Monomers

Building blocks of informational biopolymers like DNA, RNA, and proteins. They have two distinct joining sites: A and B. Site A can only connect with site B, and vice versa.

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Asymmetry in Biopolymers

Due to the asymmetric nature of monomers (with two different joining sites), informational biopolymers have directionality. They have a distinct A-end and a B-end.

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Unidirectional Polymer Growth

New monomers can only be added to one specific end of an informational biopolymer chain, not both ends.

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Nucleic Acid Monomer

The basic building block of DNA and RNA. It consists of a heterocyclic base, a pentose sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphate group.

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5' and 3' Ends of Nucleic Acids

The two ends of a nucleic acid chain are defined by the 5' phosphate group and the 3' hydroxyl group of the sugar molecules on the last monomer.

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Pentose Sugar in Nucleic Acids

A five-carbon sugar that forms the backbone of nucleic acids. Ribose is found in RNA, and deoxyribose is found in DNA.

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Nucleic Acid Polymer Growth

New nucleotides are always added to the 3' end of a growing nucleic acid chain, never the 5' end. This is how DNA and RNA are synthesized.

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Study Notes

Biopolymer Structure

  • Biopolymers are covalent-bonded chains of monomers.
  • Informational polymers have more than one monomer type.
  • The order of monomers is the information (sequence).
  • DNA, RNA, and protein are informational biopolymers.

Monomer Structure

  • Informational biopolymer monomers have a common, generic structure with a common element shared by all monomers.
  • A distinctive "characteristic" element distinguishes each monomer.
  • The common element forms the backbone via covalent bonds between monomers.
  • The characteristic elements form side chains.

Polymer Structure

  • Polymer structure depends on monomer chemistry.
  • If a monomer has one joining site, only two monomers bond. This doesn't create a polymer.
  • Two joining sites allow for potentially infinite-length linear polymers.
  • Three joining sites create branched polymers.
  • Informational biopolymers are linear, not branched.
  • Linear polymers have one 5' end and one 3' end that are chemically distinct.
  • Chain growth is unidirectional.

Nucleotides

  • Two major monomer units are nucleotides and amino acids.
  • Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) use nucleotides.
  • Protein uses amino acids.
  • The characteristic element in a nucleotide is a heterocyclic base.
  • The common element that forms the polymer backbone is a pentose sugar-phosphate.
  • Pentose sugars are 5-carbon sugars.
  • Example: ribose in RNA, and deoxyribose in DNA.
  • The joining sites are the 5' phosphate and the 3' hydroxyl group.
  • Nucleic acid polymerization always adds monomers at the 3' end.
  • DNA and RNA nucleotides are similar but differ in the pentose sugar. Deoxyribose lacks the 2' hydroxyl of ribose.
  • Uracil (U) is found in RNA; Thymine (T) is found in DNA.
  • The nucleotides also contain a phosphate group.
  • Important bases: adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), Thymine (T).

Amino Acids

  • The characteristic element in an amino acid is the side chain (R).
  • The common element is a central carbon bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a hydrogen atom, and the side chain.
  • Only L-amino acids are used in protein synthesis.
  • Joining sites are the amino group (NH2) and the carboxyl group (COOH).
  • Protein polymerization always adds monomers to the carboxyl end.
  • Proteins have 20 amino acids.
  • Proteins can be divided into hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and special groups based on side-chain properties.

General

  • Monomers are energized to be incorporated into polymer chains.

  • Nucleotide monomers are in the form of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs).

  • Amino acid monomers are in the form of aminoacyl-tRNA esters, which are high energy.

  • Enzymatic catalysis is required for linking monomers. The linking reaction is catalyzed by a specific enzyme associated with a template molecule.

  • Template molecules direct enzyme action for monomer incorporation.

  • Two main template molecules for enzyme action include DNA and mRNA.

  • RNA and protein tend to be single polymer chains. DNA tends to be double-stranded.

  • DNA in a double-stranded structure can be separated and re-associated via bonds between complementary bases.

  • DNA denaturation and renaturation occurs during replication and transcription.

  • DNA denaturation is also used in experimental molecular biology and genomics.

  • The melting temperature (Tm) of DNA depends on base composition. High G-C content has a higher melting temperature.

  • DNA can bend. This is important for DNA-protein interactions and folding.

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BIOL 200 Building Blocks and Linear Biopolymers Lecture Aug 30, 2024 PDF

Description

Explore the key concepts of biopolymer structure and the chemistry of monomers in this quiz. Understand how informational polymers are formed and the significance of their distinctive elements and joining sites. Test your knowledge about DNA, RNA, and the structural characteristics that define these biopolymers.

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