PH 161: Biochemistry Lab - Qualitative Test of RNA and Hydrolysis of Yeast

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What is the purpose of treating the RNA solution with alcohol and concentrated acid in the isolation process?

To inactivate RNA

To prevent nuclease degradation

To remove associated proteins and interfering substances (correct)

To dissolve RNA into a solution

Which property of nucleic acids are chemical tests based on, as mentioned in the text?

Solubility

Acidity

Phosphorus content (correct)

Purity

What is a key step in the isolation of yeast RNA involving heating with NaOH?

Precipitating RNA with alcohol

Inactivating RNA-degrading enzymes (correct)

Filtering lipids

Extracting water-soluble proteins

What is the role of glacial acetic acid during the experiment procedure?

To neutralize the solution Signup and view all the answers

Why is the purine N-glycosyl bond in nucleic acids susceptible to acid hydrolysis?

Because of its structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of repeated washing with alcohol and ether during the extraction process?

Elimination of lipids Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major types of nucleic acids?

RNA and DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio that indicates tissues with high RNA content?

Cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the solubility of nucleic acids in alcohol?

Insoluble Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hydrolysis yields nucleotides and nucleosides?

Partial Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

What does complete acid hydrolysis of nucleic acids yield?

Basic substances, sugars, and phosphoric acid Signup and view all the answers

Which tissues are good sources of DNA based on their nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio?

Tissues with high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the solubility of RNA in various solvents?

RNA is soluble in cold water, hot water, dilute acid, and dilute alkali, but insoluble in alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome when concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to an RNA solution in dilute alkali?

RNA precipitates out of the solution due to its insolubility in acidic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the biuret test in the context of RNA analysis?

To identify the presence of peptide bonds, which are absent in RNA. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the behavior of RNA upon boiling and subsequent cooling?

RNA coagulates upon boiling and forms a gelatinous precipitate upon cooling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests can be used to determine the presence of purine bases in RNA?

Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome when RNA undergoes hydrolysis?

RNA breaks down into its constituent nucleotides, releasing purine and pyrimidine bases, pentose sugars, and inorganic phosphates. Signup and view all the answers