Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of DNA as a carrier of genetic information?

  • To provide the template for replication and transcription (correct)
  • To transport amino acids to ribosomes
  • To regulate gene expression
  • To synthesize proteins directly

    • What is the purpose of packing DNA into chromosomes?

  • To protect DNA from damage and facilitate transmission during cell division (correct)
  • To increase the number of genes in a cell
  • To reduce the size of the genome
  • To increase gene expression

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

  • To transport amino acids to ribosomes
  • To carry genetic information from DNA for protein synthesis (correct)
  • To regulate gene expression
  • To synthesize proteins directly

    • What is the term for the total genes in a living cell or organism?

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

    What is the primary component of ribosomes?

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

    What is the function of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

    <p>To transport amino acids to ribosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic feature of RNA structure?

    <p>Single-stranded with some double-stranded regions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the percentage of mRNA in the total RNA of a cell?

    <p>About 5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the minimum functional unit of DNA?

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

    What is the function of heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA)?

    <p>Unknown, but it's a type of RNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids

    • DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotide units, consisting of four kinds of ribonucleotide units linked together through covalent bonds.

    Components of DNA and RNA

    • Each nucleotide unit is composed of:
      • a nitrogenous base
      • a pentose sugar
      • a phosphate group

    Importance of DNA Packing into Chromosomes

    • Chromosome is a compact form of DNA that readily fits inside the cell.
    • Packing DNA into chromosomes:
      • protects DNA from damage
      • allows for efficient transmission to daughter cells during cell division
      • confers an overall organization to each molecule of DNA, facilitating gene expression and recombination.

    Functions of DNA

    • Carries genetic information
    • Acts as a template strand in replication and transcription
    • Gene: the minimum functional unit in DNA
    • Genome: the total genes in a living cell or living beings

    Structures and Functions of RNA

    • Conformational variability of RNA is important for its diverse roles in the cell.
    • Types of RNA:
      • mRNA (messenger RNA): carries genetic information from DNA to translate into protein
      • tRNA (transfer RNA): transports amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis
      • rRNA (ribosomal RNA): components of ribosomes
      • hnRNA (Heterogeneous nuclear RNA)
      • snRNA (small nuclear RNA)

    RNA Structure

    • RNA molecules are largely single-stranded but have double-stranded regions.

    Messenger RNA (mRNA)

    • Function: carries genetic information from DNA for protein synthesis
    • Comprises only about 5% of the RNA in the cell
    • Composition: varies considerably in size (500-6000 bases in E. coli)

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    Description

    Learn about the components of DNA and RNA, including nucleotide units, nitrogenous bases, pentose sugars, and phosphate groups. Understand the importance of packing in nucleic acids.

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