Nucleic Acids Overview and Differences

Nucleic acids store and express genetic information; they are made of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base).

Nucleic acids' history includes Miescher's nuclein discovery (1869) and Watson & Crick's DNA double helix (1953).

DNA is a double helix with a sugar-phosphate backbone; bases pair specifically (A-T, G-C) to stabilize the molecule.

RNA is single-stranded, uses ribose instead of deoxyribose, and has uracil instead of thymine.

mRNA is transcribed from DNA and carries protein-building instructions to the ribosome.

Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T), and Guanine pairs with Cytosine (G-C).

Hydrolysis breaks down DNA or RNA into nucleotides using strong acids or bases.

Specific base pairings (A-T, G-C) in DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds. This crucial bonding facilitates the stability of the double helix.

The process of building new proteins from amino acids.

The process of making an identical copy of a DNA molecule.

The process that keeps the right levels of adenine and guanine. This balance prevents genetic mistakes.

A painful joint inflammation caused by high uric acid levels due to problems with purine metabolism.

A technique that makes many copies of a specific DNA segment. This helps identify specific sequences.

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins. This includes Transcription and Translation.

A specific segment of DNA that codes for a particular RNA or protein.

An observable trait that results from the expression of an organism's genes and also environmental influences.

Autotrophs make their own food (e.g., using sunlight), while heterotrophs get food from other organisms.

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

The building up of complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy.

A condition where the body has trouble breaking down fatty acids, leading to low blood sugar during fasting.

The cycle that produces high-energy electron carriers from the breakdown of food molecules.

Enzyme that starts the breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth.

Catabolism breaks down molecules to release energy; anabolism builds molecules using energy.

Avoid fasting and provide frequent small meals to prevent hypoglycemia.

The Citric Acid Cycle provides electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) to the electron transport chain.

Gastric juice, released by stomach lining, breaks down proteins into peptides. It also helps defend against pathogens and prepares food for absorption in intestines.

ATP synthase synthesizes ATP by using the energy from the proton gradient's flow through its subunits.

Inherited galactose metabolism disorder causing vomiting and liver damage in response to dairy product consumption.

A committed step is a key reaction that ensures the pathway proceeds to completion.

Glycolysis is central to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration because of its role as a precursor to other pathways, and its production of ATP.

Pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, serves a precursor for other metabolic pathways in the cell.

Glycolysis can occur with or without oxygen; its cytosolic location and oxygen-independent reactions allow for anaerobic function.

Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugars in the mouth.

Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.

The Citric Acid Cycle is amphibolic because it functions in both anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) pathways.

Oxygen is not a product of the Krebs cycle.

Pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, a key compound needed for the Citric Acid Cycle.

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, forming water.

Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, forming water.

Metabolic pathways are regulated processes containing enzyme-driven reactions that transform substrates to products, happening in specific locations, with a committed first step, and can be irreversible.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing urine.

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light energy, particularly in the red and blue wavelengths, during photosynthesis.

Oxygen is released as a byproduct of the splitting of water molecules during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Beta-oxidation, the breakdown of fatty acids, primarily takes place within the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell.

Ketone bodies are produced during ketogenesis, a metabolic process activated during prolonged fasting, and serve as an energy source for the brain and muscles.