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

Nitrogenous Bases

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Nitrogenous Bases

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2:44 minutes

Problem 2a

Textbook Question

Identify each of the following as a purine or a pyrimidine:
a. guanine

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the difference between purines and pyrimidines: Purines are larger, double-ring structures, while pyrimidines are smaller, single-ring structures. This distinction is key to identifying the type of nitrogenous base.

Recall the specific bases classified as purines: Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) are purines. Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), and Uracil (U) are pyrimidines.

Examine the given base, guanine. Based on the classification, guanine is one of the purines because it has a double-ring structure.

Visualize or refer to the molecular structure of guanine to confirm its double-ring characteristic, which is a hallmark of purines.

Conclude that guanine is a purine based on its structural features and classification in nucleic acids.

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Key Concepts

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

Purines and Pyrimidines

Purines and pyrimidines are the two categories of nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids. Purines, which include adenine and guanine, have a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines, such as cytosine, thymine, and uracil, have a single-ring structure. This distinction is crucial for understanding the structure of DNA and RNA, as these bases pair specifically during the formation of nucleic acid strands.

Guanine

Guanine is one of the four main nucleobases in the nucleic acid DNA and RNA. It is classified as a purine due to its double-ring structure. Guanine pairs with cytosine in DNA and RNA, forming stable hydrogen bonds that are essential for the integrity of the genetic code. Its role is vital in various biological processes, including protein synthesis and cellular signaling.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine, while in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. This complementary pairing is fundamental for the accurate replication of genetic material and the transcription process, ensuring that genetic information is correctly conveyed during cell division and protein synthesis.

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