Nucleic Acids and Nucleotide Structures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

To form the structural framework of ribosomes

To bind amino acids for protein synthesis

To facilitate the binding of mRNA to ribosomes

To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the structure of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

It has a linear structure consisting of 100-120 nucleotide units.

It has a clover-leaf shape and a 3D L-shaped structure. (correct)

It functions primarily as part of the ribosomal subunit.

It exists only as a double-stranded molecule.

What role does ribosomal RNA (rRNA) play in protein synthesis?

It catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds.

It is the structural component of ribosomes facilitating mRNA binding. (correct)

It transcribes DNA into mRNA.

It carries amino acids to the ribosome.

In the context of protein synthesis, what is the significance of the mRNA sequence?

It dictates the amino acid sequence of proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of RNA mentioned in the content?

Nuclear RNA (nRNA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structure of DNA?

The sequence of nucleotide bases from 5’ to 3’ Signup and view all the answers

How are the two strands of DNA oriented in relation to each other?

One strand runs from 3’ to 5’ and the other from 5’ to 3’ Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond stabilizes the double helix structure of DNA?

Hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases Signup and view all the answers

Which pair of nitrogenous bases is connected by three hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Cytosine and Guanine Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA in cells?

Storing and transferring genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What defines the secondary structure of DNA?

The double helix configuration Signup and view all the answers

How do nitrogenous bases pair in double-stranded DNA?

Adenine with Thymine, Guanine with Cytosine Signup and view all the answers

What is the pentose sugar found in DNA?

2-Deoxyribose Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of thymine is expected to be in a DNA sample containing 30% adenine?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Uracil Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the primary structure of RNA is true?

It refers to the single strand nucleotide sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What stabilizes the secondary structure of RNA?

Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RNA carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) Signup and view all the answers

If a single-stranded DNA sequence is 5'-A-A-T-G-C-A-G-C-T-3', what is the correct complementary sequence?

3'-T-T-A-C-G-T-C-G-A-5' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties differentiates RNA from DNA?

RNA has uracil instead of thymine. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of guanine is found in a DNA sample with 20% cytosine?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nucleic Acid Structure & Function

Nucleic acids are biomolecules responsible for transferring genetic information.
They are polymers of nucleotides.
Nucleic acids are involved in energy metabolism, such as ATP, UTP, and GTP.

Nucleotide Structure

Nucleotides are the monomers of nucleic acids.
They consist of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
Pentose sugars include ribose (in RNA) and deoxyribose (in DNA).
Nitrogenous bases are either purines (adenine, guanine) or pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, uracil).

Nitrogenous Bases

There are two types of nitrogenous bases: purines and pyrimidines.
Purines have two rings (adenine and guanine).
Pyrimidines have one ring (cytosine, thymine, and uracil).
- Uracil is found only in RNA.
- Thymine is found only in DNA.

Phosphate Groups

Phosphate groups are derived from phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄).
In cellular conditions, it exists as its ionic form, HPO₄²⁻.
Phosphate groups link nucleotides via phosphodiester bonds.

Nucleic Acid Structure

Nucleotides are linked via phosphodiester bonds between the 3' carbon of one nucleotide and the 5' carbon of another.
The 5' end has a free phosphate group.
The 3' end has a free hydroxyl group.
Nucleic acid chains are written from 5' to 3'.

DNA Structure

DNA is a double helix.
The two strands are antiparallel (one runs 5' to 3', the other 3' to 5').
The strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
- Adenine pairs with thymine (2 hydrogen bonds).
- Guanine pairs with cytosine (3 hydrogen bonds).
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
DNA bases are G, C, A, T.

Base Pairing

Nucleotide bases in DNA always pair in a specific manner.
The percentages of A and T, and G and C, are equal.

RNA Structure

RNA is a single-stranded molecule.
Has ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose.
RNA bases are G, C, A, U.
RNA is typically single-stranded.
Can fold into complex 3D shapes.

Types of RNA

Messenger RNA (mRNA): carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): carries amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): is a component of ribosomes.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of nucleic acids and their components with this quiz. Delve into the structure and function of nucleic acids, their monomers called nucleotides, and the roles of nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups. Test your understanding of these essential biomolecules in genetic information transfer and energy metabolism.