Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Primary Structure of Nucleic Acids

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Primary Structure of Nucleic Acids

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2:30 minutes

Problem 99

Textbook Question

What is similar about the primary structure of RNA and DNA?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of primary structure: The primary structure of nucleic acids refers to the sequence of nucleotides linked together by phosphodiester bonds. Both RNA and DNA have a specific sequence of nucleotides that determines their function.

Identify the components of nucleotides: Both RNA and DNA are composed of nucleotides, which consist of three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base.

Compare the sugar molecules: In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, while in RNA, the sugar is ribose. Despite this difference, both sugars form the backbone of the nucleic acid structure.

Examine the nitrogenous bases: Both RNA and DNA use adenine (A), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) as nitrogenous bases. DNA uses thymine (T), while RNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine.

Highlight the similarity in the backbone structure: Both RNA and DNA have a backbone made of alternating sugar and phosphate groups connected by phosphodiester bonds, which provides structural stability and directionality to the molecule.

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Key Concepts

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

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), are biopolymers essential for all known forms of life. They are composed of long chains of nucleotides, which are the building blocks that store and transmit genetic information. Understanding the structure of these molecules is crucial for grasping their functions in biological processes.

Primary Structure

The primary structure of nucleic acids refers to the linear sequence of nucleotides in a strand. This sequence determines the genetic information carried by the molecule. Both RNA and DNA have a primary structure that consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nitrogenous bases attached, which is fundamental to their roles in encoding and expressing genetic information.

Base Pairing

Base pairing is a key concept in nucleic acid structure, referring to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, while in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. This complementary base pairing is essential for the stability of the double helix in DNA and the various structures formed by RNA.