Biomolecules - Nucleic Acid
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
What is the main function of DNA?
Store heriditary infocand manage the production of RNA and proteins
What is the function of RNA?
Help convert DNA instructions into proteins and can also have structural roles.
What is the genetic code?
The sequences of bases in DNA and RNA
What is a nucleotide?
aa monomer (building block) of amino acids
What type of bond links nucleotides together?
A phosphodiester bond
What is the structure of DNA?
A double stranded helix with anti-parallel strands
What is the structure of RNA?
Single stranded and contains uracil instead of thymine
What is meant by DNA polarity?
DNA strands have direction, with a 5' phosphate end and a 3' hydroxyl end
why is complementary base pairing important for DNA structure?
A pairs with T, G pairs with C through hydrogen bonding. Purines pair with pyramidines ensuring uniform width of the helix. These predictable pairs allow accurate DNA replication and repair
Why are the double helix and base pairing rules important for DNA replication?
Each strand acts as a template to make a new complementary strand.
What are the 3 types of RNA and their functions?
mRNA -Carried genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome.
rRNA - forms the core structure of ribosomes
tRNA - transfers aminl acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis
Why is the complementarity of DNA strands important for repair?
Each strand can guide fixing mistakes or replacing damaged sections