Questions and Answers
What do the letters DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Who are the two scientists credited with discovering the structure of DNA?
James Watson and Francis Crick
What are the monomers of DNA called?
Nucleotides
What are the two molecules that form the backbone of DNA?
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What are the four bases of DNA?
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How many rings do purines have?
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How many rings do pyrimidines have?
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Which two bases are purine?
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Which two bases are pyrimidine?
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What are the complementary base pairs based on Chargaff's rule?
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What bond pairs the bases along the axis of the DNA molecule?
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What method did Wilkins and Franklin use to study the structure of DNA?
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What shape did Watson and Crick determine the DNA molecule was?
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Study Notes
DNA Fundamentals
- DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
- The structure of DNA was famously discovered by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick.
Molecular Composition
- Nucleotides are the monomers that make up DNA.
- The backbone of DNA consists of phosphate molecules and deoxyribose sugar.
Nitrogenous Bases
- DNA contains four bases: Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymidine.
- Bases are categorized into purines and pyrimidines:
- Purines (two rings): Adenine and Guanine.
- Pyrimidines (one ring): Cytosine and Thymidine.
Base Pairing
- Chargaff's rule establishes complementary base pairs: Cytosine pairs with Guanine, and Thymidine pairs with Adenine.
- These base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds.
Structural Insights
- Wilkins and Franklin employed x-ray diffraction to explore DNA's structure, contributing significant insights.
- Watson and Crick characterized DNA's shape as a double helix, crucial to understanding its function and replication.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental aspects of DNA with this mini quiz. Explore key terms such as the composition, structure, and famous scientists involved in its discovery. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their learning about DNA.