Nucleic Acids Summary

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Questions and Answers

What are nucleic acids composed of?

Purines and pyrimidines only

Several molecular units called nucleotides (correct)

Water and oxygen

Proteins and carbohydrates

What is the main function of nucleic acids?

To provide energy for the cell

To store genetic information (correct)

To replicate DNA

To synthesize proteins

What is the bond between guanine and cytosine?

Ionic bond

Electrostatic bond

Covalent bond

Hydrogen bond (correct)

What is the name of the hypothesis that asserts life arose from gases in the early Earth's atmosphere?

Oparin-Haldane hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for naming nucleic acids?

Partially based on their chemical properties and partly on their cellular location Signup and view all the answers

What is abiotic synthesis?

The creation of organic molecules from non-life Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the backbone of DNA strands?

It is made up of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the structure of DNA?

A twisted ladder-like structure with two strands Signup and view all the answers

What are the four nitrogen bases found in DNA?

Adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine Signup and view all the answers

What type of compounds are believed to be the building blocks of life?

Organic compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is not included in organic molecules?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nuclear pores in the nuclear envelope?

To allow substances to enter and exit the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleolus in the nucleus?

To create rRNA for ribosome creation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of creating proteins via transcription and translation?

Gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?

To facilitate cell motility and contraction Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of protein fibers in the cytoskeleton?

Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in plant cells?

To facilitate cytoplasmic streaming Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disease caused by defects in intermediate filaments?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the liquid that contains chromatin and the nucleolus within the nucleus?

Nucleoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tRNA in protein synthesis?

To carry amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of duplicating DNA to form a full set of identical DNA for each daughter cell?

Chromatin duplication Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Miller-Urey experiment?

To demonstrate that organic molecules could be produced without cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which the systems within an organism work together to maintain a consistent internal environment?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT shared by all organisms?

Ability to fly Signup and view all the answers

What is the smallest unit of life?

Cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?

To control the cell's activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mitochondria in an animal cell?

To break down food and release energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi body in an animal cell?

To package and secrete proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the cell membrane?

Phospholipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

To keep the membrane fluid and flexible Signup and view all the answers

What is the model that describes the structure of the cell membrane?

Fluid mosaic model Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

The internal set of conditions that living things maintain to function at their best Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

To maintain homeostasis in the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lysosomes in the cell?

To digest food and cell debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

To transport substances throughout the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi bodies in the cell?

To package and distribute proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus in the cell?

To direct the function of the organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid mosaic model?

A model that describes the structure of the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cristae in the mitochondria?

To increase the surface area of the mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the matrix in the mitochondria?

To contain most of the mitochondrial proteins and enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

The presence of mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mitochondria in an animal cell?

Energy production Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the systems within an organism work together to maintain a consistent internal environment?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the smallest unit of life?

Cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the cell membrane?

Phospholipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?

Storage of genetic material Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the experiment that demonstrated that organic molecules could be produced without cells?

Miller-Urey experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of creating proteins via transcription and translation?

Protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi body in an animal cell?

Packaging and secretion of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid mosaic model?

A model of the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Separates the cell from the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

Regulating osmosis and maintaining specific concentrations of ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum in the cell?

To synthesize and transport proteins throughout the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cristae in the mitochondria?

To increase the surface area for cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleus in the cell?

To store genetic material and control gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

The internal set of conditions that living things maintain in order to function at their best Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lysosomes in the cell?

To digest and recycle cellular waste and debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi bodies in the cell?

To package and distribute proteins and lipids throughout the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid mosaic model?

A model that describes the structure of the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?

To generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

To regulate the movement of materials into and out of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of the structure of a DNA molecule?

Two strands that twist around each other forming a twisted ladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of nucleic acids in living organisms?

To store genetic information and material used for reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the creation of organic molecules from non-living components?

Abiotic synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the bonding between adenine and thymine?

They have two hydrogen bonds between them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an organic molecule?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the early Earth's atmosphere is thought to have given rise to life?

Oparin-Haldane hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the backbone of DNA strands composed of?

Deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the bond between guanine and cytosine?

They have three hydrogen bonds between them Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the molecules that are believed to be the building blocks of life?

Organic molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nuclear envelope?

To protect the DNA and regulate the exchange of substances Signup and view all the answers

During which process does the nucleus duplicate the DNA to form a full set of identical DNA for each daughter cell?

Cell division Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microtubules in the cytoskeleton?

To transport cellular materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the nucleus creates proteins through the transcription and translation of RNA?

Gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleolus in the nucleus?

To control the production of ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cytoskeleton in animal cells?

To provide structure and support for the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

To carry amino acids and match them with mRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the liquid that contains chromatin and the nucleolus within the nucleus?

Nucleoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of defects in intermediate filaments?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?

To facilitate cell motility and contraction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are long-chain polymers composed of nucleotides that are the constituents of living organisms.
They are named based on their chemical properties and the fact that they are the major component of the cell nucleus.
DNA and RNA are the main types of nucleic acids.
DNA is made up of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine).
Nucleic acids are macromolecules composed of several molecular units called nucleotides, which are linked to each other in the form of a chain.
A base pair has two nucleotides bonded to each other, forming a ladder-like structure.
A DNA molecule is comprised of two strands that twist around each other, forming a twisted ladder.
Each strand has a backbone made up of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups, with each sugar molecule attached to one of the four nitrogen bases (adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine).
The two strands are bonded together with the help of hydrogen bonds, with guanine and cytosine having three hydrogen bonds and adenine and thymine having two hydrogen bonds.
The major functions of nucleic acids include the storage of genetic information and material used for the reproduction of the living cell.

Abiotic Synthesis

Abiotic synthesis refers to the creation of organic molecules from non-life.
Organic molecules are carbon-based compounds believed to be the building blocks of life.
Examples of organic molecules include nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Water is not considered an organic molecule.
The Oparin-Haldane hypothesis proposes that life arose from gradually and by chance from gases in the early Earth's atmosphere.
The Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated that organic molecules could be produced without cells, based on early Earth's atmospheric content.

Organisms

An organism is a living system that can respond to stimuli, reproduce, grow, develop, adapt, and maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the process by which the systems within an organism work together to maintain a consistent internal environment or state of balance.
All living things have the ability to respond to stimuli, reproduce, grow, develop, adapt, utilize a source of energy, and maintain homeostasis.
The domain classification system divides all organisms into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
The Bacteria and Archaea domains include only unicellular organisms, while the Eukarya domain includes all multicellular living organisms and some unicellular protists.
Multicellular organisms are structurally organized into cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Cells are the smallest unit of life, and every organism is composed of cells.
Cells have organelles, which are membrane-bound structures that have a specific function.
Examples of organelles in eukaryotic cells include the nucleus, vacuoles, and chloroplasts.

Animal Cells

An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell present in all organisms of the animal kingdom.
The shape of the cell varies and depends on the function performed by the cell.
The animal cell structure is composed of the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and cell organelles.
The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material or DNA.
Mitochondria are organelles that help the cell break down food and release energy.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins and are either freely scattered within the cell or found associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.
The Golgi body helps in the packaging and secretion of proteins received from the ER.

Cell Membrane

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin, flexible barrier that separates the cell from the environment.
The bulk of the cell membrane is made of phospholipids, which are arranged in a bilayer.
Phospholipids are amphipathic and have hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.
The cell membrane also has additional components, including cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The cell membrane can be described by the fluid mosaic model, which states that the cell membrane is fluid and flexible and moves with the cell.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the internal set of conditions that living things maintain in order to function at their best.
Homeostasis is maintained through negative feedback loops, where the product of a process shuts the process off.
Examples of homeostasis in living things include temperature regulation, water and salt balance, and glucose levels.
Homeostasis is also regulated at the cellular level by the cell membrane, which maintains homeostasis in three main ways:
- Allowing for fluid movement of the membrane
- Regulating osmosis, or the movement of water from high concentration to low concentration
- Maintaining specific concentrations of ions

Organelles

The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material or DNA.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a collection of tube-like structures within the cytoplasm that acts as a highway transporting substances throughout the cell.
ER can be either smooth or rough, with rough ER having ribosomes on its surface that make it bumpy.
Ribosomes are small organelles that make proteins.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, where cellular respiration takes place.
Lysosomes contain enzymes that help digest food and cell debris.
The Golgi bodies are the packaging and distribution centers of the cell, packaging up proteins to be released out of the cell.

Energy and Mitochondria

Energy is vital in all living organisms.
Mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles that are double membrane-bound and located in the cytoplasm of the cells.
Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria, and they are referred to as powerhouses in a cell.
Mitochondria play a role in the oxidation of fuel molecules in the cell, leading to the production of ATP.
Prokaryotic cells lack mitochondria and rely on the external environment for their energy requirements.

Nucleus

The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material or DNA.
The nucleus is contained within the nuclear envelope, a membrane that protects the DNA.
The envelope is peppered with nuclear pores that allow substances to enter and exit the nucleus.
Inside the envelope is the nucleoplasm, a liquid that contains chromatin, or the structure formed from DNA and proteins.
Also in the nucleoplasm is the nucleolus, which controls the production of ribosomes through the creation of rRNA.

Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that form the structural network of the cell.
The cytoskeleton's main function is structure and support for the cell, but it also plays a role in the following processes:
- Supporting the cell membrane
- Intracellular trafficking of organelles and vesicles
- Separation of chromosomes during cell division
There are two main parts of the cytoskeleton: protein fibers and motor proteins.
Protein fibers are long strands that make up the structure of the cytoskeleton and include three types: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Microfilaments are made of the protein actin and are important for cell motility and contraction.
Intermediate filaments are used for structure and support and include examples like keratin.
Microtubules are the largest components of the cytoskeleton, made of tubulin, and are primarily used for the transport of cellular materials.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are long-chain polymers composed of nucleotides, a major component of the cell nucleus.
DNA and RNA are the main types of nucleic acids.
DNA is made up of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine).
A base pair has two nucleotides bonded to each other, forming a ladder-like structure.
A DNA molecule consists of two strands that twist around each other, forming a twisted ladder.
Each strand has a backbone made up of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups.
Each sugar molecule is attached to one of the four nitrogen bases (adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine).
The two strands are bonded together with the help of hydrogen bonds.
Guanine and cytosine have three hydrogen bonds between them, and adenine and thymine have two hydrogen bonds between them.

Abiotic Synthesis

Abiotic synthesis refers to the creation of organic molecules from non-life.
Organic molecules are carbon-based compounds that are believed to be the building blocks of life.
Examples of organic molecules include nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
The Oparin-Haldane hypothesis asserts that life arose from gradually and by chance from gases in the early Earth's atmosphere.
The Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated that organic molecules could be produced without cells, based on projections of early Earth's atmospheric content.

Organisms

An organism is a living system that can respond to stimuli, reproduce, grow, develop, adapt, and maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the process by which the systems within an organism work together to maintain a consistent internal environment or state of balance.
Organisms can be single-celled or multicellular, and all share the characteristics of responding to stimuli, reproducing, growing, developing, adapting, utilizing energy, and maintaining homeostasis.
The domain classification system divides all organisms into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
The Bacteria and Archaea domains include only unicellular organisms, while the Eukarya domain includes all multicellular living organisms and some unicellular protists.
Cells are the smallest unit of life, and every organism is composed of cells.
Cells of multicellular organisms vary in size, shape, function, and metabolic activity, and compartmentalize many essential processes.

Cell Structure

An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell present in all organisms of the animal kingdom.
The cell structure is composed of the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and cell organelles.
Organelles are covered with a plasma membrane.
The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material or DNA.
Mitochondria are organelles that help the cell break down food and release energy.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins and are either freely scattered within the cell or found associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.
The Golgi body helps in the packaging and secretion of proteins received from the ER.

Cell Membrane

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin, flexible barrier that separates the cell from the environment.
The bulk of the cell membrane is made of phospholipids, which are arranged in a bilayer.
Phospholipids are amphipathic and have hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.
The cell membrane also has additional components, including cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The cell membrane can be described by the fluid mosaic model, which states that the cell membrane is fluid and flexible and moves with the cell.
The cell membrane maintains homeostasis through negative feedback loops, allowing for fluid movement, regulating osmosis, and maintaining specific concentrations of ions.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the internal set of conditions that living things maintain in order to function at their best.
Examples of homeostasis in living things include temperature regulation, water and salt balance, and glucose levels.
Homeostasis is regulated at the cellular level by the cell membrane.
The cell membrane maintains homeostasis through fluid movement, osmosis regulation, and ion concentration maintenance.

Organelles

The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material or DNA.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a collection of tube-like structures within the cytoplasm that acts as a highway transporting substances throughout the cell.
ER can be either smooth or rough, with ribosomes on the surface of rough ER.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for cellular respiration.
Lysosomes contain enzymes that help digest food and cell debris.
The Golgi body packages and distributes proteins received from the ER.

Energy and Mitochondria

Energy is vital in all living organisms.
Mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles that are double membrane-bound and located in the cytoplasm of cells.
Mitochondria play a role in the oxidation of fuel molecules, leading to the production of ATP.
The outer membrane of mitochondria is usually smooth, while the inner membrane is folded.
The inner compartment of mitochondria is referred to as the matrix, and it contains most of the mitochondrial proteins and enzymes used in the oxidation of fats and the Krebs cycle.

Nucleus

The nucleus directs the function of the organelles.
The nucleus contains and protects the cell's DNA, which contains genes that code for a cell's structure and function.
The nucleus controls which genes are expressed, ultimately determining how a cell will differentiate.
The nucleus is contained within the nuclear envelope, a membrane that protects the DNA.
The envelope is peppered with nuclear pores that allow substances to enter and exit the nucleus.
Inside the envelope is the nucleoplasm, a liquid that contains chromatin, or the structure formed from DNA and proteins.
The nucleus also controls cell division, protein production, and gene expression.

Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that form the structural network of the cell.
The cytoskeleton's main function is structure and support for the cell, but it also plays a role in intracellular trafficking, cell division, and cell motility.
There are two main parts of the cytoskeleton, including protein fibers and motor proteins.
Protein fibers are long strands that make up the structure of the cytoskeleton and include three types: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Microfilaments are made of the protein actin and are important for cell motility and contraction.
Intermediate filaments are used for structure and support, and include examples like keratin, which makes up our nails and skin.
Microtubules are the largest components of the cytoskeleton, are made of tubulin, and are primarily used for the transport of cellular materials.

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Description

Learn about nucleic acids, their composition, and types including DNA and RNA. Discover the role of nucleotides, purines, and pyrimidines in these macromolecules.