Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Nucleic Acids

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Nucleic Acids

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Multiple Choice

In nucleic acids, what is the primary role of the nitrogenous bases?

They form the sugar-phosphate backbone of the nucleic acid.

They store genetic information through specific base pairing.

They catalyze the polymerization of nucleotides.

They provide energy for cellular processes.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of nucleic acids: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of three main components—nitrogenous bases, a sugar molecule (deoxyribose or ribose), and a phosphate group. The nitrogenous bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U in RNA).

Learn the role of nitrogenous bases: Nitrogenous bases are critical for storing genetic information. They pair specifically (A with T, and C with G in DNA; A with U, and C with G in RNA) through hydrogen bonding, forming the rungs of the nucleic acid's double helix structure.

Understand base pairing: The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases ensures the accurate replication and transcription of genetic information. This is essential for the inheritance of traits and the synthesis of proteins.

Differentiate the roles of other components: The sugar-phosphate backbone provides structural support to the nucleic acid, while the nitrogenous bases are directly involved in encoding genetic information. They do not catalyze reactions or provide energy for cellular processes.

Conclude the primary role: The nitrogenous bases store genetic information through their specific base pairing, which is fundamental to the function of nucleic acids in living organisms.