Multiple Choice
Which of the following descriptions best fits the class of molecules known as nucleotides?
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Nucleic Acids
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Which of the following is a characteristic of uracil?
A
It pairs with guanine in nucleic acids.
B
It is found only in RNA and not in DNA.
C
It contains a methyl group at the 5-position.
D
It is a purine base.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure and classification of uracil: Uracil is a pyrimidine base, not a purine base. Purines include adenine and guanine, while pyrimidines include cytosine, thymine, and uracil.
Recognize the role of uracil in nucleic acids: Uracil is found exclusively in RNA and replaces thymine, which is found in DNA. This is a key distinction between RNA and DNA.
Analyze the chemical structure of uracil: Uracil does not contain a methyl group at the 5-position. Thymine, on the other hand, has a methyl group at the 5-position, which differentiates it from uracil.
Understand base pairing in nucleic acids: Uracil pairs with adenine in RNA through hydrogen bonding, not guanine. This pairing is analogous to the thymine-adenine pairing in DNA.
Review the correct characteristic: Based on the above analysis, the correct characteristic of uracil is that it is found only in RNA and not in DNA.
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