Nucleic Acids: Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of nucleic acids in cells?

  • To provide energy for cellular processes
  • To synthesize proteins directly
  • To store and express genetic information (correct)
  • To regulate cell membrane permeability

    • What is the main difference between DNA and RNA?

  • The function of protein synthesis
  • The type of pentose molecule (correct)
  • The number of nucleotides
  • The presence of a phosphate group

    • What are nucleic acids composed of?

  • Nucleotides and biopolymers (correct)
  • Carbohydrates and lipids
  • Amino acids and proteins
  • Minerals and vitamins

    • What is the role of phosphate groups in nucleotides?

    <p>To form a negatively charged group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the common feature of both DNA and RNA?

    <p>They are both composed of nucleotides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is attached to the second and third carbon atoms in ribose?

    <p>Two hydroxyl groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bond is formed between the first carbon of the pentose sugar and the 9th nitrogen atom of a nitrogenous base?

    <p>Glycosidic bond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of ATP in the cell?

    <p>To provide energy for cellular processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of RNA in protein synthesis?

    <p>To translate DNA into proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is formed when two phosphate groups are removed from ATP?

    <p>AMP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of ATP in the cell?

    <p>To maintain the cytoskeletal properties of the cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered DNA and from what sources?

    <p>Friedrich Miescher from white blood cells and pus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of tRNA in protein synthesis?

    <p>To help in the synthesis of proteins from amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of nucleic acids?

    <p>To transfer genetic traits from one generation to the next</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are nucleic acids composed of?

    <p>A nitrogen base attached to a pentose sugar molecule which is attached to a phosphate molecule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Nucleic Acids

    • Nucleic acids are macromolecules present in all cells and viruses, storing and expressing genetic information.
    • There are two main types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

    Nucleic Acid Structure and Function

    • Nucleic acids are biopolymers composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a phosphate group, a nitrogen base, and a pentose molecule.
    • Phosphate group: a phosphorus atom bonded to negatively charged oxygen atoms.
    • Pentose molecule: deoxyribose (DNA) or ribose (RNA), with five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, with hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl groups attached.
    • Nitrogen base: purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine, uracil, and cytosine), which bind to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules to form ring structures.

    Nucleotide Bonding

    • Glycosidic bonds form between the pentose sugar molecule and the nitrogen base.
    • Ester bonds form between the phosphate group and the pentose sugar molecule.
    • Many nucleotides form a chain of nucleotides or polynucleotides to form DNA and RNA.

    DNA Functions

    • Stores and codes genetic information in the body.
    • Allows for the inheritance of genetic traits from parents to offspring.
    • Provides instructions for making proteins in an organism.

    RNA Functions

    • Plays a significant role in protein synthesis and controlling the expression of genetic information.
    • Carries genetic information in some viruses.
    • Participates in the creation of new cells, translation of DNA into proteins, and selection of amino acids to form new proteins.
    • Three main types of RNA: transfer RNA (tRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

    ATP and Energy Production

    • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule consisting of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.
    • ATP generates energy for cellular processes, providing energy through the release of phosphate groups.
    • ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria and is essential for cellular functions, such as protein transport and cytoskeletal maintenance.

    Discovery of Nucleic Acids

    • Friedreich Miescher isolated DNA from white blood cells in 1869 and named it "nuclein".
    • Altmann, a student of Miescher, later named the molecule "nucleic acid".
    • Albrecht Kossel isolated the chemical components of nucleic acids (cytosine, guanine, uracil, and thymine) between 1885 and 1901.

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    Description

    Learn about the role of nucleic acids in storing and expressing genetic information, and their importance in protein synthesis and life forms.

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