Questions and Answers
What defines the 5' end of a DNA strand?
What component primarily forms the backbone of DNA's primary structure?
Which statement accurately describes the structure of DNA?
Which unit is not a component of the monomeric units in DNA strands?
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What characteristic of deoxyribose subunits and phosphate groups is highlighted in DNA's structure?
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Which feature of DNA's secondary structure pertains to base arrangement?
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Study Notes
The 5' and 3' Ends
- The 5' end features a free phosphate group, indicating an unlinked position in the phosphodiester bond.
- The 3' end is identified by a free hydroxyl group or phosphate group.
The Primary Structure of DNA
- Primary structure focuses on the sequence and quantity of deoxyribonucleotides in DNA strands, linked through phosphodiester bonds.
- The backbone consists of a linear arrangement of sugar-phosphate groups, with nitrogenous bases (purines or pyrimidines) extending from the sugar, creating a lateral projection.
The Double Helix
- DNA consists of two complementary strands of polydeoxyribonucleotides with opposing polarity, forming a right-handed helical shape.
- Each strand is made up of monomeric units known as deoxynucleoside 5'-monophosphates, including dAMP (deoxyadenylate), dGMP (deoxyguanylate), dTMP (deoxythymidine), and dCMP (deoxycytidine).
- The exterior of the double helix contains hydrophilic deoxyribose sugar and phosphate, interacting with the surrounding aqueous environment, while the hydrophobic interior holds the stacked planar bases.
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Description
Learn about the 5' and 3' ends of a DNA strand, including the phosphate groups and hydroxyl groups that define them, as well as the primary structure of DNA.
