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

Previous problemNext problem

1:29 minutes

Problem 41

Textbook Question

Draw the complete structure of the RNA dinucleotide U-C. Identify the 5′ and 3′ ends of the dinucleotide.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that RNA is composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In this case, the bases are uracil (U) and cytosine (C).

Start by drawing the ribose sugar for the first nucleotide (U). Label the carbon atoms on the ribose as 1′, 2′, 3′, 4′, and 5′. Attach a phosphate group to the 5′ carbon and the uracil base to the 1′ carbon.

Draw the ribose sugar for the second nucleotide (C). Similarly, label the carbon atoms and attach a phosphate group to the 5′ carbon and the cytosine base to the 1′ carbon.

Connect the two nucleotides by forming a phosphodiester bond between the 3′ hydroxyl group (-OH) of the first nucleotide (U) and the phosphate group attached to the 5′ carbon of the second nucleotide (C).

Label the 5′ end of the dinucleotide (where the free phosphate group is attached) and the 3′ end (where the free hydroxyl group is located) to clearly identify the directionality of the RNA strand.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

RNA Structure

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-stranded molecule composed of nucleotides, each containing a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these nucleotides determines the RNA's function, which can include coding for proteins, catalyzing reactions, or regulating gene expression. Understanding the basic structure of RNA is essential for drawing and identifying its components.

Nucleotide Composition

A dinucleotide consists of two nucleotides linked by a phosphodiester bond. In the case of the dinucleotide U-C, the first nucleotide is uridine (U) and the second is cytidine (C). Each nucleotide has a specific orientation, with a 5′ phosphate group and a 3′ hydroxyl group, which are crucial for understanding the directionality of the RNA strand.

5′ and 3′ Ends

The 5′ and 3′ ends of an RNA molecule refer to the orientation of the sugar-phosphate backbone. The 5′ end has a free phosphate group, while the 3′ end has a free hydroxyl group. This directional notation is important for understanding RNA synthesis and function, as it influences how RNA interacts with other molecules and how it is read during translation.

Watch next

Master Primary Structure of Nucleic Acids Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning