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Chapter 9: Problem 13

Describe the structure and complementary base pairing of DNA.

Short Answer

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DNA is composed of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (A, T, G, or C). It has a double helix structure, where the sugar and phosphate groups form the backbone and the nitrogenous bases face each other in the center. The strands are antiparallel, running in opposite directions. Complementary base pairing involves Adenine (A) pairing with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) pairing with Cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonds. This is crucial for DNA replication and transmission of genetic information.

Step by step solution

01

Components of DNA (Nucleotides)

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. It is composed of monomeric units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of three parts: 1. A sugar molecule, called deoxyribose. 2. A phosphate group. 3. A nitrogenous base (four types: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)).
02

The Double Helix Structure of DNA

The DNA molecule is organized as a double helix, which is similar to a twisted ladder. The sugar and phosphate groups of the nucleotides form the backbone of each strand, while the nitrogenous bases face each other in the center, forming the rungs of the twisted ladder. DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning that the two strands run in opposite directions. One strand runs in a 5' to 3' direction (5' end has a free phosphate group, and 3' end has a free sugar molecule), while the other strand runs in a 3' to 5' direction.
03

Complementary Base Pairing

The key to understanding DNA's structure lies in the complementary base pairing principle. The nitrogenous bases on each strand of DNA form hydrogen bonds with the bases on the opposite strand, creating specific pairings: - Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T), forming two hydrogen bonds. - Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C), forming three hydrogen bonds. This specific base pairing is critical for DNA replication and the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A promoter is a. a specific sequence of DNA nucleotides b. a specific sequence of RNA nucleotides C. a protein that binds to DNA d. an enzyme that synthesizes RNA

Describe the organization of the eukaryotic chromosome.

The RNA components of ribosomes are synthesized in the ________. a. cytoplasm b. nucleus C. nucleolus d. endoplasmic reticulum

The initial mechanism for repairing nucleotide errors in DNA is a. mismatch repair b. DNA polymerase proofreading c. nucleotide excision repair d. thymine dimers

Describe how controlling gene expression will alter the overall protein levels in the cell.
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