DNA and RNA

• What are the two types of nucleic acid?

  DNA and RNA
• What is the primary function of DNA?

  To store genetic information
• What does RNA stand for?

  Ribonucleic acid
• What is one of the main functions of RNA?

  To transfer genetic information to ribosomes
• What are ribosomes known as?

  The body's 'protein factories'
• What process do ribosomes use to make proteins?

  Translation
• What are nucleotides made from?

  A pentose sugar, a base, and a phosphate
• What type of biological molecule are DNA and RNA?

  Polymers of nucleotides
• What type of bond forms between nucleotides?

  Phosphodiester bond
• What is the sugar-phosphate backbone?

  The chain of phosphates and sugars in nucleotides
• What is the structure of DNA?

  A double helix
• How are DNA strands described?

  As polynucleotides
• Why is DNA coiled tightly in the nucleus?

  To fit a lot of genetic information
• What is a DNA nucleotide composed of?

  A phosphate group, deoxyribose, and a base
• What are the four possible bases in DNA?

  Adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine
• What is complementary base pairing?

  Specific pairing of bases in DNA
• Which bases pair together in DNA?

  Adenine pairs with thymine, guanine with cytosine
• How many hydrogen bonds form between A and T?

  Two hydrogen bonds
• How many hydrogen bonds form between C and G?

  Three hydrogen bonds
• What is the structure of RNA compared to DNA?

  RNA is single-stranded
• What sugar is found in RNA nucleotides?

  Ribose sugar
• What base replaces thymine in RNA?

  Uracil
• How do RNA nucleotides pair?

  Uracil pairs with adenine
• How does the length of RNA compare to DNA?

  RNA strands are shorter
• What are the main structural differences between DNA and RNA?

  • DNA: Double-stranded, deoxyribose sugar, bases A, T, C, G, long
  • RNA: Single-stranded, ribose sugar, bases A, U, C, G, relatively short
• When was DNA first observed?

  In the 1800s
• What did scientists initially doubt about DNA?

  That it could carry genetic information
• Who determined the double helix structure of DNA?

  James Watson and Francis Crick
• What year was the double helix structure of DNA determined?

  1953
• What are the key roles of DNA and RNA in living organisms?

  • DNA: Stores genetic information, guides development
  • RNA: Transfers genetic information, aids protein synthesis