Formation of polynucleotides

• What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

  DNA polymerase catalyzes the addition of new nucleotides to the growing DNA chain, allowing for the replication of the DNA molecule.
• What are the components of a nucleotide?

  • Nucleotide subunit
  • Pyrimidine base
  • Purine base
  • Sugar-phosphate backbone
• What type of reaction occurs during polynucleotide formation?

  Condensation reaction
• How does the 5' end and 3' end of the DNA chain differ in their role during DNA replication?

  • The 5' end is the growing end where new nucleotides are added by DNA polymerase.
  • The 3' end is the free hydroxyl group that acts as the primer for DNA polymerase to start replication.
• Why is the directionality of DNA and RNA important?

  It is crucial for DNA replication and transcription
• What are the four base pairs in DNA?

  • Adenine (A) and Thymine (T)
  • Cytosine (C) and Guanine (G)
• What charge does the phosphate group carry?

  Negative charge
• How do the chemical structures of the base pairs allow them to form hydrogen bonds?

  • Adenine forms 2 hydrogen bonds with Thymine
  • Cytosine forms 3 hydrogen bonds with Guanine
  • This specific pairing allows the base pairs to fit together and stabilize the DNA double helix
• How do individual hydrogen bonds compare to multiple hydrogen bonds in DNA?

  Individual bonds are weak, but strong in combination
• What is released during the formation of phosphodiester bonds?

  Water
• What is the significance of complementary base pairing in DNA?

  • Creates the DNA double helix structure
  • Ensures accurate replication of genetic information
• How many hydrogen bonds are formed between Cytosine and Guanine?

  Three hydrogen bonds
• What type of bond forms between phosphate groups and sugar groups in polynucleotides?

  Phosphodiester bonds
• Why are the base pairs in DNA arranged in a double helix structure?

  The hydrogen bonding between the base pairs stabilizes the double helix
• What is the purpose of the 5' and 3' ends of nucleic acids?

  The 5' and 3' ends allow for the directionality and synthesis of nucleic acid chains
• What are the chemical structures of the four DNA base pairs?

  • Thymine: 5' Phosphate, 5-Methyl Pyrimidine Ring
  • Adenine: 6-Amino Purine Ring
  • Cytosine: 4-Amino Pyrimidine Ring
  • Guanine: 2-Amino-6-Oxo Purine Ring
• How are the base pairs in DNA arranged?

  • The base pairs are arranged in a double helix structure
  • Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)
  • Cytosine (C) always pairs with Guanine (G)
• What are the components of a nucleotide and their functions?

  • Pentose sugar: forms the backbone of nucleic acids
  • Phosphate group: links nucleotides together
  • Nitrogenous base: encodes genetic information
• How many hydrogen bonds are formed between Adenine and Thymine?

  Two hydrogen bonds
• Why are hydrogen bonds important for DNA structure?

  They stabilize the DNA structure while allowing unzipping
• What do phosphodiester linkages create in nucleic acids?

  A chain of nucleotides
• What is the name of the bonds between the nucleotides?

  5'-3' phosphodiester bonds
• What is the name of the backbone structure in the nucleotide?

  Sugar-phosphate backbone
• What is the chemical formula for the phosphate group in the DNA molecule?

  $PO_4^{3-}$