Question

For each of the following, fill in the blank with the correct response(s). All of the following pertain to nucleic acids. a. The substance in the nucleus of the cell that stores and transmits genetic information is DNA, which stands for b. The basic repeating monomer units of DNA and RNA are called c. The pentose deoxyribose is found in DNA, whereas is found in RNA. d. The basic linkage in DNA or RNA between the sugar molecule and phosphoric acid is a phosphate e. The bases on opposite strands of DNA are said to be to each other, which means the bases fit together specifically by hydrogen bonding to one another. f. In a strand of normal DNA, the base found paired with the base adenine, whereas is always found paired with cytosine. g. A given segment of the DNA molecule, which contains the molecular coding for a specific protein to be synthesized, is referred to as a- h. During protein synthesis, RNA molecules attach to and transport specific amino acids to the appropriate position on the pattern provided by RNA molecules. i. The codes specified by are responsible for assembling the correct primary structure of proteins.

Short answer

a. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. b. The basic repeating monomer units of DNA and RNA are called Nucleotides. c. The pentose Ribose is found in RNA, whereas the pentose deoxyribose is found in DNA. d. The basic linkage in DNA or RNA between the sugar molecule and phosphoric acid is a Phosphate Bond or Phosphodiester Bond. e. The bases on opposite strands of DNA are said to be Complementary to each other, which means the bases fit together specifically by hydrogen bonding to one another. f. In a strand of normal DNA, the base Thymine is always found paired with Adenine, whereas Guanine is always found paired with Cytosine. g. A given segment of the DNA molecule, which contains the molecular coding for a specific protein to be synthesized, is referred to as a Gene. h. During protein synthesis, Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules attach to and transport specific amino acids to the appropriate position on the pattern provided by Messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. i. The codes specified by Codons are responsible for assembling the correct primary structure of proteins.

Step-by-step solution

a. DNA Full Form

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

b. Basic Repeating Monomer Units of DNA and RNA

The basic repeating monomer units of DNA and RNA are called Nucleotides.

c. Pentose Sugar in RNA

The pentose Ribose is found in RNA, whereas the pentose deoxyribose is found in DNA.

d. Basic Linkage in DNA or RNA

The basic linkage in DNA or RNA between the sugar molecule and phosphoric acid is a Phosphate Bond or Phosphodiester Bond.

e. Nature of DNA base pairings

The bases on opposite strands of DNA are said to be Complementary to each other, which means the bases fit together specifically by hydrogen bonding to one another.

f. Base Pairing in DNA

In a strand of normal DNA, the base Thymine is always found paired with Adenine, whereas Guanine is always found paired with Cytosine.

g. DNA Segment Name

A given segment of the DNA molecule, which contains the molecular coding for a specific protein to be synthesized, is referred to as a Gene.

h. Role of RNA in Protein Synthesis

During protein synthesis, Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules attach to and transport specific amino acids to the appropriate position on the pattern provided by Messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules.

i. Structure Assembly of Proteins

The codes specified by Codons are responsible for assembling the correct primary structure of proteins.

Key concepts

DNA

DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is a molecule that resides in the nucleus of cells and serves as a storage and transmission medium for genetic information. It consists of long chains of nucleotides, which are the basic building blocks of DNA. Each nucleotide is composed of:

• a phosphate group,
• a sugar molecule known as deoxyribose, and
• a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

DNA's iconic double helix structure is formed by two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other, resembling a spiral staircase. This structure not only supports its stability but also ensures that genetic information is effectively replicated and transmitted.
DNA segments, known as genes, contain instructions for making specific proteins. These genes are crucial as they carry the codes that determine an organism's traits and functions.

RNA

RNA, or Ribonucleic Acid, acts as a messenger and translator of genetic information contained in DNA. Unlike DNA, RNA is usually single-stranded and includes the sugar ribose in its structure instead of deoxyribose. RNA nucleotides comprise:

• a phosphate group,
• the sugar ribose, and
• nitrogenous bases: adenine, uracil (instead of thymine), cytosine, and guanine.

There are various types of RNA, each serving a unique role in protein synthesis. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic codes from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to the ribosomes, matching the codes on the mRNA to construct proteins.

Base pairing

Base pairing is a fundamental concept in the structure and function of nucleic acids. In DNA, specific pairs of nitrogenous bases form hydrogen bonds with each other, ensuring precise and consistent replication of genetic material. This complementary base pairing involves:

• Adenine (A) pairing with Thymine (T),
• Guanine (G) pairing with Cytosine (C).

These pairings occur between the two strands of the DNA double helix, maintaining the uniform width of the molecule and contributing to its stability.
In RNA, base pairing is slightly altered, with Adenine pairing with Uracil instead of Thymine. Understanding these pairing rules is crucial for grasping how genetic information is copied and expressed during cellular processes like replication and protein synthesis.

Protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is a vital biological process in which genetic instructions in DNA are used to assemble proteins, essential for various cellular functions. This process involves two main phases: transcription and translation.

During transcription, in the nucleus, the DNA segment of a gene is copied into mRNA. This mRNA carries the genetic message out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm.
In the translation phase, ribosomes interpret the mRNA sequence to synthesize proteins. The ribosomes read the mRNA sequence in groups of three bases, known as codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role by bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome based on the mRNA codon sequence.

• mRNA provides the template for protein assembly,
• tRNA supplies the building blocks (amino acids), and
• Ribosomes are the sites where protein synthesis occurs.

Understanding protein synthesis is key to comprehending cellular function and the intricate processes that sustain life.