Podcast
Questions and Answers
What stabilizes the structure of the DNA double helix?
What stabilizes the structure of the DNA double helix?
Which statement accurately describes the orientation of DNA strands?
Which statement accurately describes the orientation of DNA strands?
What is the role of the sugar and phosphate molecules in DNA?
What is the role of the sugar and phosphate molecules in DNA?
Which pairing rule regarding base pairs in DNA is correct?
Which pairing rule regarding base pairs in DNA is correct?
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What characteristic of the DNA double helix ensures a consistent shape?
What characteristic of the DNA double helix ensures a consistent shape?
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Study Notes
DNA Structure
- DNA is a double-stranded molecule, shaped like a spiral staircase or helix.
- The two strands are antiparallel, running in opposite directions (5' to 3' and 3' to 5').
- The DNA structure resembles a twisted ladder, with the sugar-phosphate backbone forming the sides and the base pairs forming the steps.
- The backbone is composed of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate molecules.
- Base pairs follow specific rules: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
- This complementary base pairing occurs via hydrogen bonds (2 between A and T, 3 between C and G).
- Hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure of the DNA double helix.
- The consistent base pairing maintains a uniform diameter for the DNA double helix.
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Description
Explore the intricate structure of DNA, a double-stranded molecule fundamental to all living organisms. This quiz covers the arrangement of nucleotides, base pairing rules, and the significance of the sugar-phosphate backbone in maintaining DNA's stability. Test your knowledge on the helical nature of DNA and its components.