DNA Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

What type of sugar molecules make up the DNA backbone?

  • Deoxyribose (correct)
  • Glucose
  • Ribose
  • Fructose

    • What is the purpose of base pairing in the double helix structure?

  • To increase the stability of the double helix structure (correct)
  • To separate the two strands of DNA
  • To provide a framework for protein binding
  • To allow for the replication of DNA

    • What is the direction of the strands in the double helix model of DNA?

  • Both strands run in the 3' to 5' direction
  • The strands are oriented antiparallel, with one strand running in the 5' to 3' direction and the other in the 3' to 5' direction (correct)
  • Both strands run in the 5' to 3' direction
  • The direction of the strands is random and can vary

    • How many hydrogen bonds are formed between Adenine (A) and Thymine (T)?

    <p>Two</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the width of the major groove compared to the minor groove?

    <p>The major groove is wider than the minor groove</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many base pairs are in each turn of the double helix?

    <p>10.4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of enzymes called helicases during DNA replication?

    <p>To unwind the double helix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the bond that holds the two DNA strands together?

    <p>Hydrogen bond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the process of DNA replication?

    <p>Two identical DNA strands are synthesized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the polymerase enzyme during DNA replication?

    <p>To add nucleotides to the new strand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of the difference in the number of hydrogen bonds between A-T and G-C base pairs?

    <p>G-C base pairs are more stable than A-T base pairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    DNA Structure

    Double Helix Model

    • DNA is composed of two complementary strands twisted together in a double helix structure
    • Strands are oriented antiparallel, with one strand running in the 5' to 3' direction and the other in the 3' to 5' direction

    Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

    • DNA backbone is composed of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules
    • Sugar molecules are deoxyribose, a five-carbon sugar
    • Phosphate groups are negatively charged and form phosphodiester bonds with the sugar molecules

    Nitrogenous Bases

    • Four nitrogenous bases are found in DNA: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)
    • Bases are paired in a complementary manner: A-T and G-C
    • Base pairing is responsible for the stability of the double helix structure

    Base Pairing Rules

    • Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds
    • Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C) through three hydrogen bonds

    Major and Minor Grooves

    • The double helix structure has a major groove and a minor groove
    • The major groove is wider and deeper than the minor groove
    • The major groove is where proteins bind to DNA

    DNA Twisting

    • DNA is twisted into a double helix structure with a pitch of 34 angstroms
    • Each turn of the double helix is 10.4 base pairs long

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of DNA structure, including the double helix model, sugar-phosphate backbone, nitrogenous bases, and base pairing rules. Learn about the major and minor grooves, DNA twisting, and more!

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