Unit 4 Concept 1 Study Guide

Draw a structure of a nucleotide and label the parts

(Will be attached to assignment)

Okazaki fragments

Short pieces of DNA

RNA primer

Short pieces of RNA to help get the DNA polymerase started

Nucleotide

monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

Explain, in detail, the structure of a DNA molecule

DNA is in the shape of a double helix. Sugar and phosphates make up the backbone of the DNA. Nitrogen bases are connected the the sugar. The sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen bases are all connected by strong, covalent bonds. Each nitrogen base has a pair that are connected by weak, hydrogen bonds. the backbone goes anti-parallel with 3' and 5'.

Explain why DNA replication is considered to be semi-conservative

DNA replication is considered to be semi-conservative is because two identical DNA molecules are formed, each with an "old" strand and a "new" strand

Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast DNA and RNA

DNA: Thymine pairs with adenine. There are two strands. Similarities: Guanine pairs with cytosine and adenine is present. RNA: Uracil pairs with adenine. There is only one strand.

Describe the difference between purines and pyrimidines, including which nitrogen bases are which

Purines have a big base. Adenine and guanine are the nitrogen bases to purines. Pyrimidines have a small base. The nitrogen bases to pyrimidines are cytosine and thymine.

Summarize the the process of DNA replication, including the enzymes involved, and explain the significance of the process.

The helicase unzips the DNA. Primase and DNA polymerase help find complementary bases and bind them according to base-pairing rules. Then two identical DNA molecules are formed, each with an "old" strand and a "new" strand. The significance of the process helps with DNA replication for when cells multiply.

Describe the difference between the leading strand and lagging strand

The leading strand has DNA polymerase going 3' to 5' in a smooth direction. The lagging strand is separated into okazaki fragments since it's going into the opposite direction, which is why it's lagging.

Explain the base pairing rules of DNA. Provide an example of a strand of DNA with its complementary strand

Uracil pairs with guanine while thymine pairs with adenine. atcgttaagggactc tagcaattccctgag

Gene

sections of DNA that serve as the blueprint/instructions for making proteins

Nucleic acid

the macromolecule that holds our genetic material (DNA)

Chromosone

tightly coiled strands of DNA