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Chapter 9: Problem 7

What is the name of the monomer of DNA? Which part of the monomer is the basis for the genetic language?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The monomer of DNA is a nucleotide. The nitrogenous base is the basis for the genetic language.

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding DNA Structure

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. It is composed of smaller units called monomers.
02

- Identify the Monomer of DNA

The monomer of DNA is known as a nucleotide. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
03

- Determine the Basis of Genetic Language

The nitrogenous base of the nucleotide is the part that varies among different nucleotides and is the basis for the genetic language. There are four types of nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases create sequences that code for genetic information.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Nucleotide
The basic unit, or monomer, of DNA is called a nucleotide. Each nucleotide is made up of three parts: a sugar molecule known as deoxyribose, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. These three components form the building blocks of DNA. Think of nucleotides like the individual beads of a necklace. They connect to form long chains which then twist into the famous double-helix shape of DNA.
  • The sugar and phosphate form the backbone of the DNA strand.
  • The nitrogenous base protrudes from this backbone, forming the rungs of the double-helix ladder.
Genetic Information
Genetic information is the set of instructions that determine how a living organism develops, behaves, and functions. In DNA, this information is coded by the sequence of nitrogenous bases attached to the backbone. These sequences are unique and act like a language. For example, in human DNA, the sequence of bases might specify traits such as eye color or height.
  • Genetic information is critical for protein synthesis, which is essential for cell function and structure.
  • The information is passed from parent to offspring, ensuring traits are inherited.
  • This coded information is what researchers decode when studying genes and genetic disorders.
Nitrogenous Bases
The nitrogenous bases in DNA are the crucial components that carry genetic instructions. They come in four different types: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair specifically (A with T, and C with G) to form the steps of the DNA ladder. The sequence of these bases determines the genetic code.
  • Adenine pairs with thymine creating a double bond.
  • Cytosine pairs with guanine creating a triple bond.
  • These specific pairs ensure the DNA is copied accurately during cell division.
  • Mutations, or changes in these sequences, can lead to genetic disorders.
DNA Structure
The DNA structure is often described as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder. The sides of the ladder are formed by alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate molecules, while the rungs are made of the nitrogenous bases paired together. This structure not only provides stability but also allows for DNA replication and repair.
  • The double helix is antiparallel, meaning the two strands run in opposite directions.
  • The helix has a major groove and a minor groove, which are important for protein binding.
  • The structure allows for compact storage of genetic information within the nucleus of cells.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

List the three structural differences between DNA and RNA.

Based on the base-pairingrules of DNA, write the complementary sequence to GGACACTT.

What would be the RNA sequence complementary to the DNA sequence ACTGACA?

Rank the following terms from smallest to largest: chromosome, gene, genome, nucleotide.
See all solutions

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