Questions and Answers
Where is DNA found in the cell?
DNA is found in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
How many strands of DNA make up a molecule?
2 strands
What are the basic building blocks (monomers) of DNA?
nucleotides
What are the three parts of a DNA nucleotide?
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What is the 5 carbon sugar found in DNA?
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What are the two major groups of nitrogen bases found in DNA?
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Which two bases are purines?
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Which two bases are pyrimidines?
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What two parts of the nucleotide make up the backbone or sides of the DNA molecule?
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What type of bonds join the two strands of the DNA molecule together?
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The bond between nucleotides in the same strand known as the inter-strand bond is formed between what parts of a nucleotide?
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What does adenine always bond with?
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What does guanine always bond with?
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What is meant by the term complementary base pairing?
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Why are the strands of the DNA molecule said to be antiparallel?
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Study Notes
DNA Location
- DNA resides in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
- In prokaryotic cells, DNA is located in the cytoplasm.
Structure of DNA
- A DNA molecule is comprised of two strands.
- The fundamental units of DNA are called nucleotides.
Components of a Nucleotide
- Each DNA nucleotide consists of three parts:
- Phosphate group
- Deoxyribose sugar
- Nitrogenous base
Sugar in DNA
- The five-carbon sugar present in DNA is deoxyribose.
Nitrogenous Bases
- DNA contains two primary categories of nitrogenous bases:
- Purines, which have a double-ring structure (Adenine and Guanine).
- Pyrimidines, which have a single-ring structure (Cytosine and Thymine).
DNA Backbone
- The backbone of the DNA molecule is formed by the sugar and phosphate components of the nucleotides.
Bonding in DNA
- Hydrogen bonds link the two strands of DNA together through base pairing.
- Nucleotides within the same strand are connected by bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups.
Base Pairing Rules
- Adenine (A) pairs exclusively with Thymine (T).
- Guanine (G) pairs exclusively with Cytosine (C).
- This specificity is referred to as complementary base pairing.
Antiparallel Strands
- The two strands of DNA are described as antiparallel because one strand runs in a 5' to 3' direction while the other runs 3' to 5.'
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Test your knowledge of DNA structure with these flashcards. Learn about the location of DNA in cells, its composition, and the fundamental components that make up a nucleotide. Perfect for students studying biology and genetics.
