Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

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3:21 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Evaluate the following statements related to the synthesis of nucleic acids. Select True or False for each statement.T/F Ribonucleotides are added to the 3′ end of a DNA strand.T/F Polymerization of nucleic acids occurs by the formation of phosphodiester bonds.T/F Complementary pairing between sugars is required for copying nucleic acids.T/F Strands in a double helix are synthesized in an antiparallel orientation.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the components involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids, such as ribonucleotides, DNA strands, and phosphodiester bonds.

Understand the directionality of nucleic acid synthesis, specifically that nucleotides are added to the 3′ end of a pre-existing strand during DNA replication.

Recognize the role of phosphodiester bonds in connecting nucleotides together during the polymerization process of nucleic acids.

Evaluate the statement about complementary pairing by recalling that complementary base pairing occurs between nucleotide bases (adenine with thymine or uracil, and cytosine with guanine), not sugars.

Review the concept of antiparallel orientation in DNA strands, meaning that one strand runs in a 5′ to 3′ direction and the other in a 3′ to 5′ direction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nucleic Acid Synthesis

Nucleic acid synthesis refers to the process by which nucleotides are assembled to form nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. This process involves the addition of nucleotides to a growing strand, where ribonucleotides are specifically added to RNA strands, while deoxyribonucleotides are added to DNA strands. Understanding this process is crucial for evaluating statements about the directionality and mechanisms of nucleic acid formation.

Phosphodiester Bonds

Phosphodiester bonds are the covalent linkages that connect nucleotides in a nucleic acid strand. These bonds form between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another, creating a backbone that is essential for the structural integrity of DNA and RNA. Recognizing the role of phosphodiester bonds is vital for understanding how nucleic acids are polymerized.

Antiparallel Orientation

Antiparallel orientation refers to the arrangement of the two strands in a double helix, where one strand runs in the 5′ to 3′ direction and the other runs in the 3′ to 5′ direction. This orientation is critical for the complementary base pairing that occurs during DNA replication and transcription. Understanding this concept is essential for evaluating the synthesis and functionality of nucleic acids.