Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA Explained
What are Nucleic Acids and Their Function?
They are the largest molecules found in the living world and are responsible for vital control processes.
Types of Nucleic Acids (Acronyms)
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
What Constitutes Nucleic Acids?
They are constituted by smaller units called nucleotides.
How Can Pentoses Be Divided?
They can be divided into ribose (RNA) and deoxyribose (DNA).
How Can We Divide Nitrogenous Bases?
They are divided into purines and pyrimidines.
In DNA, What are the Pentose and Nitrogenous Bases?
In DNA, the pentose is always deoxyribose, and the nucleobases are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.
And in RNA?
In RNA, the pentose is always ribose, and the nucleobases are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
What are the Nucleobases of DNA?
Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.
What are the Nucleobases of RNA?
Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
What is the Structure of a DNA Molecule?
According to the model proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick, it consists of two filaments enrolled around each other, forming a double helix.
Differences Between DNA and RNA
- Filaments:
- DNA: Double
- RNA: Single
- Nitrogenous Bases:
- DNA: Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine
- RNA: Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil
- Pentose:
- DNA: Deoxyribose
- RNA: Ribose
Which Nitrogenous Base Does Not Exist in DNA? In RNA?
Uracil does not exist in DNA, and thymine does not exist in RNA.
What is the Complementary Sequence of CCAATGCAA?
The complementary sequence is GGTTACGTT (DNA: C=G, A=T; in RNA: C=G, A=U).
What is the Cell That Gives Origin to Humans?
The zygote cell.
How Can Cells Be Grouped After Successive Divisions?
They can be grouped into somatic and germ cells.
What are the Types of Cell Division?
Mitosis and meiosis.
What is Interphase?
It is the range between two successive cell divisions.
What Occurs During Interphase?
During this phase, cells are in high metabolic activity, performing practically all processes for development.
What are the Phases of Interphase?
G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.
During Which Interphase Period is DNA Synthesized?
S phase.
Mitosis is a Process of Cell Division. Comment.
Daughter cells have the same amount of chromosomes as the mother cell.
What is the Importance of Mitosis?
Without it, organisms would not be able to reproduce.
What are the Stages of Mitosis?
Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Characterize Each Stage of Mitosis
- Prophase: Disruption of the nuclear envelope and condensation of the chromosomal material.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes are condensed and positioned at the “equator” of the cell.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. Separation starts at the centromere. When it reaches the end, chromosomes are positioned at the cell’s poles.
- Telophase: Marks the end of mitosis. Chromosomes decondense, and the nuclear envelope reorganizes.
What is the Importance of Meiosis?
It gives origin to germ cells.
Draw the Structure of a Nucleotide
(Image of a nucleotide structure would be inserted here)