Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Nucleic Acids

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Problem 9b

Textbook Question

RNA and DNA are similar because . a. both are double-stranded helices; b. uracil is found in both of them; c. both contain the sugar deoxyribose; d. both are made up of nucleotides consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure of RNA and DNA. Both RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, which are made up of nucleotides. A nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

Step 2: Identify the differences between RNA and DNA. DNA is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose. Uracil is a base found in RNA, while Thymine is a base found in DNA.

Step 3: Compare the options with the characteristics of RNA and DNA. Option a is incorrect because RNA is not double-stranded. Option b is incorrect because uracil is not found in DNA. Option c is incorrect because RNA does not contain the sugar deoxyribose.

Step 4: By process of elimination, the correct answer is option d. Both RNA and DNA are made up of nucleotides consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

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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 three components: a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, while in RNA, it is ribose. Understanding the structure of nucleotides is essential for comparing DNA and RNA.

Differences between DNA and RNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) differ in several key aspects. DNA is typically double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is usually single-stranded and contains ribose. Additionally, DNA uses thymine as a base, whereas RNA uses uracil. Recognizing these differences is crucial for understanding their functions in biological systems.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. This concept is fundamental for understanding the structure of DNA and RNA and their roles in genetic information storage and transfer.

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