Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does DNA stand for?
What does DNA stand for?
- Deoxyribose nucleic acid
- Deoxy ribonucleic acid
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (correct)
- Deoxyribonuclear acid
Describe the physical structure of a DNA molecule.
Describe the physical structure of a DNA molecule.
It is a double-stranded nucleic acid twisted into a helix shape, resembling a twisted ladder.
What is the basic unit of the DNA molecule?
What is the basic unit of the DNA molecule?
A nucleotide
What makes up the backbone of a DNA molecule?
What makes up the backbone of a DNA molecule?
What is the sugar in DNA called?
What is the sugar in DNA called?
How many different types of nitrogenous bases does DNA consist of?
How many different types of nitrogenous bases does DNA consist of?
What are the nitrogenous bases that belong to the purines group?
What are the nitrogenous bases that belong to the purines group?
What are the nitrogenous bases that belong to the pyrimidines group?
What are the nitrogenous bases that belong to the pyrimidines group?
What does adenine pair with?
What does adenine pair with?
What does guanine pair with?
What does guanine pair with?
What does thymine pair with?
What does thymine pair with?
What does cytosine pair with?
What does cytosine pair with?
What is the entire code of DNA made up of?
What is the entire code of DNA made up of?
How do the nitrogenous bases pair up?
How do the nitrogenous bases pair up?
What are two DNA bases that are paired up called?
What are two DNA bases that are paired up called?
What bonds form between the nitrogenous bases of the strands on the structure of DNA?
What bonds form between the nitrogenous bases of the strands on the structure of DNA?
How does DNA differ among organisms?
How does DNA differ among organisms?
What is the backbone of DNA made of?
What is the backbone of DNA made of?
What does a nucleotide consist of?
What does a nucleotide consist of?
If a segment of one side of a DNA molecule has 500 adenine bases, how many thymine bases does the other side have?
If a segment of one side of a DNA molecule has 500 adenine bases, how many thymine bases does the other side have?
Study Notes
DNA Overview
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) carries the genetic information unique to every individual.
- DNA molecules are critical for cellular functions and heredity.
Structure of DNA
- DNA is composed of two long strands coiled into a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.
- The backbone of the DNA is formed by sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups.
Nucleotides
- The basic unit of DNA is the nucleotide, consisting of a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
- Nucleotides are the building blocks that assemble to form DNA.
Nitrogenous Bases
- DNA contains four types of nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).
- Bases are categorized into two groups: purines (adenine and guanine) with a double-ring structure, and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine) with a single-ring structure.
Base Pairing Rules
- Adenine pairs with thymine (and uracil in RNA), while guanine pairs with cytosine.
- Base pairing is termed complementary bases, ensuring specific pair formations.
Bonding in DNA Structure
- Hydrogen bonds hold the nitrogenous bases together, linking the two strands of the DNA helix.
- The sequence and arrangement of nitrogenous bases define the genetic code and contribute to genetic diversity among organisms.
Genetic Variation
- Differences in genetic material among organisms arise from variations in the order and number of nitrogenous bases in their DNA sequences.
Summary of Pairing
- A single segment with 500 adenine bases will have an equal number of thymine bases on the complementary strand.
- Understanding the structure and function of DNA is fundamental for genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
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Description
Explore the fundamental structure of DNA with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition and explanation, highlighting the unique characteristics of deoxyribonucleic acid and its double-helix formation. Perfect for studying genetic information and molecular biology.
