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

DNA Double Helix

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

DNA Double Helix

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1:23 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

Describe the orientation of antiparallel strands in DNA. Use the terms 3' and 5' in your description.

Verified step by step guidance

DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix structure.

Each strand of DNA has a directionality, which is determined by the orientation of the sugar-phosphate backbone.

The ends of each DNA strand are referred to as 3' (three prime) and 5' (five prime), based on the carbon numbers in the sugar molecule of the nucleotide.

In an antiparallel arrangement, one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction, while the complementary strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction.

This antiparallel orientation is crucial for the complementary base pairing and the overall stability of the DNA double helix.

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Key Concepts

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

Antiparallel Strands

In DNA, the two strands run in opposite directions, a configuration known as antiparallel. This means that one strand runs from the 5' end to the 3' end, while the complementary strand runs from the 3' end to the 5' end. This orientation is crucial for the base pairing and the overall stability of the DNA double helix.

5' and 3' Ends

The terms 5' (five prime) and 3' (three prime) refer to the carbon numbers in the DNA's sugar backbone. The 5' end has a phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon of the sugar, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group attached to the third carbon. This directional notation is essential for understanding DNA replication and transcription processes.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G). This pairing occurs between the antiparallel strands, allowing for the complementary nature of the DNA structure. The orientation of the strands is vital for accurate base pairing and the integrity of genetic information.

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Textbook Question

Write the complementary sequence of bases for each DNA strand shown next.

a. 5′T-A-T-A-C-T-G 3′

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Textbook Question

Copy the diagram and use dotted lines to indicate where hydrogen bonding occurs between the complementary strands of DNA. What is the sequence of each strand of DNA drawn (remember that the sequence is written from the 5′ to 3′ end)?

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Textbook Question

List three structural characteristics of DNA.

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Textbook Question

How are the two strands of nucleic acid in DNA held together?

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Textbook Question

List the similarities and differences in the secondary structure of a protein and the secondary structure of DNA.

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Textbook Question

Fill in the following table comparing structural similarities between proteins and nucleic acids:

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Textbook Question

If the DNA chromosomes of humans contain 20% cytosine, what is the percent of guanine, adenine, and thymine?

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Textbook Question

The DNA double helix can unwind, or denature, at temperatures between 90 °C and 99 °C. Denaturing occurs when H bonds are broken. Which of the following strands of DNA would be expected to denature at a higher temperature? Provide an explanation.

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