/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 21 Identify the specific structural... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 23: Problem 21

Identify the specific structural components of both RNA and DNA.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Both DNA and RNA have three main structural components: a 5-carbon sugar molecule (deoxyribose for DNA, ribose for RNA), a phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases. DNA has four types of nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C), whereas RNA has Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). Differences in structure include the sugar component and the nitrogenous bases, with Thymine in DNA replaced by Uracil in RNA. DNA forms a double helix, while RNA typically exists as a single strand.

Step by step solution

01

(Identify the structural components of DNA)

(Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is made up of three main structural components. These are: 1) Deoxyribose, a 5-carbon sugar molecule; 2) Phosphate group, which connects the deoxyribose molecules to form the backbone of the DNA molecule; and 3) Nitrogenous base, of which there are four types - Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). The nitrogenous bases form complementary pairs (A-T and G-C) on the two strands of the DNA double helix.)
02

(Identify the structural components of RNA)

(Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is also made up of three main structural components, which are: 1) Ribose, a 5-carbon sugar molecule that is slightly different from deoxyribose (found in DNA); 2) Phosphate group, just like in DNA, connects the ribose molecules to form the RNA backbone; and 3) Nitrogenous base, of which there are four types - Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). Instead of Thymine, RNA contains Uracil as one of its nitrogenous bases. RNA usually exists in a single-stranded form, although some structures may fold upon themselves and form double-stranded regions.)
03

(Differences between DNA and RNA structures)

(It's important to note the differences between DNA and RNA structures. While they both have a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases, the main differences are found in (1) the sugar component - deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA, and (2) the nitrogenous bases - Thymine is replaced by Uracil in RNA. Additionally, (3) the overall structure varies, with DNA forming a stable double helix while RNA mostly exists as a single strand.)

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

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

DNA structure
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the hereditary material in most living organisms. It's structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder, which is ingeniously designed to store and transmit genetic information. Three main components construct this intricate structure:

  • Deoxyribose: This 5-carbon sugar molecule acts as a central cog in the DNA strand. Each deoxyribose molecule links to a phosphate group to form the skeleton of the DNA.
  • Phosphate Group: These groups interconnect with the deoxyribose sugars, forming the backbone of the DNA. They establish the structural integrity needed for the DNA to maintain its shape.
  • Nitrogenous Bases: DNA consists of four types of nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). These bases pair specifically: Adenine with Thymine, and Guanine with Cytosine, through hydrogen bonds. The sequences of these bases encode the genetic instructions.
Together, these components not only construct the physical structure of DNA, but also serve to protect and replicate genetic information.
RNA structure
RNA, or Ribonucleic Acid, carries instructions from DNA and performs crucial roles in synthesizing proteins. Unlike its stable cousin, DNA, RNA is often single-stranded, giving it flexibility for various functions inside cells.

Though RNA shares several structural similarities with DNA, there are distinctive differences. The primary components of RNA include:

  • Ribose: This is a 5-carbon sugar, similar to deoxyribose, but with an additional oxygen atom. This slight chemical variation makes RNA less stable than DNA, allowing it to be more reactive and versatile.
  • Phosphate Group: Like DNA, the phosphate groups in RNA connect the ribose sugars together, forming the supportive backbone.
  • Nitrogenous Bases: RNA consists of four bases: Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). Uracil replaces Thymine (T) found in DNA, which suits RNA's functional needs.
RNA can form complex three-dimensional shapes, adapting to its roles in protein synthesis, regulation, and catalytic processes.
Nitrogenous bases
Nitrogenous bases are essential components of nucleic acids, influencing their information storage capabilities. They are organic molecules containing a nitrogen atom that forms the blueprint of genetic material. Both DNA and RNA contain these nitrogenous bases, although they have differences.

In DNA, the four nucleobases are:
  • Adenine (A) and Thymine (T): These bases pair through two hydrogen bonds, allowing for stable and consistent base pairing.
  • Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C): This pair connects via three hydrogen bonds, offering even more strength and stability to the DNA double helix.
RNA contains a similar set of bases but replaces Thymine with Uracil (U):
  • Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U) in RNA, which adjusts to the single-stranded nature and functional demands of RNA.
Nitrogenous bases encode genetic information through sequences that dictate the synthesis of proteins, regulating nearly every cellular process in an organism.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation.

Explain the primary function of RNA and DNA.

Analyze the structure of nucleic acids to determine what structural feature makes them acidic.

Proteins The average molecular weight of an amino acid residue in a polypeptide is 110. What is the approximate molecular weight of the following proteins? a. Insulin (51 amino acids) b. Myosin (1750 amino acids)

Calculate How many moles of ATP would a yeast cell produce if 6 mol of glucose were oxidized completely in the presence of oxygen? How many moles of ATP would the yeast cell produce from 6 mol of glucose if the cell were deprived of oxygen?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.