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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0:33 minutes

Problem 2a

Textbook Question

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

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the difference between purines and pyrimidines. Purines are nitrogenous bases with a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines have a single-ring structure.

Step 2: Recall the common purines and pyrimidines. The purines are adenine (A) and guanine (G), while the pyrimidines are cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

Step 3: Analyze the given base, guanine. Guanine is one of the nitrogenous bases found in DNA and RNA.

Step 4: Determine the structure of guanine. Guanine has a double-ring structure, which is characteristic of purines.

Step 5: Conclude that guanine is a purine based on its double-ring structure and its classification as one of the two purines 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

Purines are one of the two classes of nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids, characterized by a double-ring structure. The two primary purines in DNA and RNA are adenine (A) and guanine (G). Their structure allows them to form hydrogen bonds with complementary pyrimidines, playing a crucial role in the formation of the DNA double helix and RNA structures.

Pyrimidines

Pyrimidines are the second class of nitrogenous bases, distinguished by a single-ring structure. The main pyrimidines in nucleic acids are cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U). These bases pair with purines during DNA and RNA synthesis, contributing to the stability and integrity of genetic information.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between purines and pyrimidines in nucleic acids, which is essential for the structure of DNA and RNA. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine, while in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil. This complementary pairing ensures accurate replication and transcription of genetic information.

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