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

Previous problemNext problem

3:52 minutes

Problem 35

Textbook Question

What are the two structural types of bases in DNA and RNA? Which bases correspond to each type?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that the bases in DNA and RNA are categorized into two structural types: purines and pyrimidines. These classifications are based on the molecular structure of the bases.

Step 2: Recognize that purines are larger, double-ring structures. In DNA and RNA, the purine bases are adenine (A) and guanine (G).

Step 3: Identify that pyrimidines are smaller, single-ring structures. In DNA, the pyrimidine bases are cytosine (C) and thymine (T), while in RNA, thymine (T) is replaced by uracil (U).

Step 4: Note the correspondence of these bases: Purines (adenine and guanine) pair with pyrimidines (thymine, cytosine, or uracil) in complementary base pairing. For example, in DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine.

Step 5: Summarize the structural types and their corresponding bases: Purines include adenine (A) and guanine (G), while pyrimidines include cytosine (C), thymine (T) in DNA, and uracil (U) in RNA.

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.

Purines and Pyrimidines

Purines and pyrimidines are the two structural types of nitrogenous bases found in DNA and RNA. Purines, which include adenine (A) and guanine (G), have a double-ring structure. Pyrimidines, which include cytosine (C), thymine (T) in DNA, and uracil (U) in RNA, have a single-ring structure. Understanding these classifications is essential for grasping the molecular composition of nucleic acids.

Base Pairing Rules

Base pairing rules dictate how nitrogenous bases pair with each other in DNA and RNA. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil (A-U) instead of thymine. These rules are fundamental for the processes of DNA replication and RNA transcription, ensuring accurate genetic information transfer.

Nucleic Acid Structure

The structure of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, is crucial for their function in genetic information storage and transfer. DNA typically forms a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded. The arrangement of purines and pyrimidines within these structures influences their stability and interactions, which are vital for processes like protein synthesis and gene expression.

Watch next

Master Nitrogenous Bases Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning