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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3:24 minutes

Problem 34a

Textbook Question

What are the four major heterocyclic bases in DNA?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is composed of nucleotides, each of which contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The nitrogenous bases are the key components being asked about in this problem.

Recognize that the nitrogenous bases in DNA are heterocyclic, meaning they contain rings with at least one atom other than carbon (e.g., nitrogen).

Recall that there are four major nitrogenous bases in DNA, which are divided into two categories: purines and pyrimidines.

Identify the purines in DNA: adenine (A) and guanine (G). These are larger, double-ring structures.

Identify the pyrimidines in DNA: cytosine (C) and thymine (T). These are smaller, single-ring structures.

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Key Concepts

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

Heterocyclic Bases

Heterocyclic bases are nitrogen-containing compounds that form the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. In DNA, these bases are crucial for encoding genetic information and consist of two types: purines and pyrimidines. The four major bases in DNA are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, each playing a specific role in base pairing and the overall structure of the DNA molecule.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between the nitrogenous bases in DNA, which is essential for the double helix structure. Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) through two hydrogen bonds, while guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C) through three hydrogen bonds. This complementary pairing ensures accurate replication and transcription of genetic information, maintaining the integrity of the genetic code.

DNA Structure

The structure of DNA is characterized by its double helix formation, consisting of two strands that wind around each other. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and attached nitrogenous bases. The arrangement of these bases along the strands encodes genetic information, while the helical structure allows for compact storage and efficient replication during cell division.

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