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Nucleic Acids quiz

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  • What are the two main types of nucleic acids found in cells?
    The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
  • What are the three components of a nucleotide?
    A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
  • What type of bond links nucleotides together in a nucleic acid polymer?
    Nucleotides are linked together by phosphodiester bonds.
  • What is the difference between the sugars found in DNA and RNA?
    DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which has one less oxygen atom than the ribose sugar found in RNA.
  • What are the two categories of nitrogenous bases, and how do they differ structurally?
    Nitrogenous bases are categorized as pyrimidines (single ring) and purines (double ring).
  • Which nitrogenous bases are pyrimidines?
    Cytosine, thymine, and uracil are pyrimidines.
  • Which nitrogenous bases are purines?
    Adenine and guanine are purines.
  • Which nitrogenous base is unique to DNA, and which is unique to RNA?
    Thymine is unique to DNA, while uracil is unique to RNA.
  • What is the primary function of DNA?
    The primary function of DNA is to store and encode genetic information.
  • How are the two strands of DNA oriented with respect to each other?
    The two strands of DNA are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions.
  • What type of bonds hold the two strands of DNA together?
    Hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases hold the two DNA strands together.
  • Which bases pair together in DNA?
    Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.
  • What is the structural difference between DNA and RNA molecules?
    DNA is typically double-stranded and forms a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded.
  • What is the directionality of a nucleic acid strand, and how is it indicated?
    Nucleic acid strands have directionality, indicated by a 5' (five prime) end and a 3' (three prime) end.
  • What is the main function of RNA in the cell?
    One main function of RNA is to act as a template for protein synthesis.