Textbook Question
Provide the products for each of the following condensation reactions:
a. <IMAGE>
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Ch.11 Nucleic Acids–Big Molecules with a Big Role
Chapter 7, Problem 11.12
Describe the differences in the two ends of a nucleic acid.
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Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, have a directionality, meaning they have two distinct ends: the 5' (five prime) end and the 3' (three prime) end.
The 5' end of a nucleic acid strand has a phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon of the sugar ring. This end is often referred to as the 'phosphate end'.
The 3' end of a nucleic acid strand has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the third carbon of the sugar ring. This end is often referred to as the 'hydroxyl end'.
The directionality of nucleic acids is crucial for processes such as DNA replication and transcription, as enzymes involved in these processes typically work in a 5' to 3' direction.
Understanding the 5' and 3' ends helps in comprehending how nucleic acids are synthesized and how they function in biological systems.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nucleic Acid Structure
Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are polymers made up of nucleotide monomers. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The structure of nucleic acids is directional, with a 5' end (phosphate group) and a 3' end (hydroxyl group), which is crucial for understanding their function in biological processes.
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Primary Structure of Nucleic Acids Example 2
5' and 3' Ends
The 5' end of a nucleic acid strand has a free phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon of the sugar, while the 3' end has a free hydroxyl group on the third carbon. This polarity is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis, as nucleotides are added to the 3' end during replication and transcription, determining the directionality of the strand.
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Functionality in Biological Processes
The differences between the 5' and 3' ends of nucleic acids are critical for their roles in cellular processes. For instance, during DNA replication, enzymes like DNA polymerase add nucleotides to the 3' end, ensuring that the new strand is synthesized in a 5' to 3' direction. This directional synthesis is vital for accurate genetic information transfer and expression.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify each of the following as a purine or a pyrimidine and name them.
b. <IMAGE>
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Textbook Question
Provide the products for each of the following condensation reactions:
b. <IMAGE>
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Textbook Question
Draw the dinucleotide AT that would be found in DNA. Label the 5' and 3' ends of your structure. Identify the phosphodiester bond.
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Textbook Question
Name the three types of RNA and their functions.
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Textbook Question
List the mRNA bases that complement the bases A, T, G, and C in DNA.
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