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Questions and Answers
What type of sugar molecules make up the DNA backbone?
What is the purpose of base pairing in the double helix structure?
What is the direction of the strands in the double helix model of DNA?
How many hydrogen bonds are formed between Adenine (A) and Thymine (T)?
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What is the width of the major groove compared to the minor groove?
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How many base pairs are in each turn of the double helix?
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What is the function of enzymes called helicases during DNA replication?
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What is the bond that holds the two DNA strands together?
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What is the result of the process of DNA replication?
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What is the function of the polymerase enzyme during DNA replication?
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What is the consequence of the difference in the number of hydrogen bonds between A-T and G-C base pairs?
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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!
