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

Nucleoside and Nucleotide Formation

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Nucleoside and Nucleotide Formation

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1:33 minutes

Problem 33

Textbook Question

What are the sugars in DNA and RNA, and how do they differ?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the sugar present in DNA: The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which is a five-carbon sugar (pentose) with the chemical formula C₅H₁₀O₄. It lacks an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon, hence the name 'deoxy'.

Identify the sugar present in RNA: The sugar in RNA is ribose, which is also a five-carbon sugar (pentose) but has the chemical formula C₅H₁₀O₅. It contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon.

Compare the structures of deoxyribose and ribose: Deoxyribose has a hydrogen atom (H) on the 2' carbon, while ribose has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon. This structural difference is key to their distinct roles in DNA and RNA.

Explain the functional significance of the difference: The absence of the hydroxyl group in deoxyribose makes DNA more chemically stable, which is important for its role in long-term genetic storage. The presence of the hydroxyl group in ribose makes RNA more reactive and suitable for its roles in protein synthesis and other cellular processes.

Summarize the key difference: DNA contains deoxyribose, which is less reactive due to the absence of the 2' hydroxyl group, while RNA contains ribose, which is more reactive due to the presence of the 2' hydroxyl group.

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Key Concepts

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

Nucleotides

Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sugar component varies between DNA and RNA, which is crucial for their structural differences and functions.

Deoxyribose vs. Ribose

The primary difference between DNA and RNA sugars lies in their structure: DNA contains deoxyribose, which lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose found in RNA. This subtle difference affects the stability and reactivity of the nucleic acids, influencing their roles in genetic information storage and protein synthesis.

Function of Sugars in Nucleic Acids

The sugars in DNA and RNA play a vital role in the overall structure and function of these molecules. In DNA, deoxyribose contributes to the double-helix structure, while ribose in RNA allows for more flexibility, enabling various forms like mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, which are essential for protein synthesis.

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