Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution

Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition

Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook

Sanders 3rd Edition

Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution

Problem 16

Chapter 1, Problem 16

What reactive chemical groups are found at the 5' and 3' carbons of nucleotides? What is the name of the bond formed when nucleotides are joined in a single strand? Is this bond covalent or noncovalent?

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Identify the reactive chemical group at the 5' carbon of a nucleotide. This is typically a phosphate group (PO₄³⁻).

Identify the reactive chemical group at the 3' carbon of a nucleotide. This is typically a hydroxyl group (OH).

Understand that nucleotides are joined together in a single strand through a specific type of bond.

Recognize that the bond formed between nucleotides is called a phosphodiester bond.

Determine whether the phosphodiester bond is covalent or noncovalent.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nucleotide Structure

Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base. The 5' carbon of the sugar is attached to the phosphate group, while the 3' carbon has a hydroxyl (-OH) group. Understanding this structure is essential for grasping how nucleotides link together to form nucleic acid strands.

Phosphodiester Bond

The bond formed between nucleotides in a single strand of nucleic acid is called a phosphodiester bond. This bond occurs when the phosphate group of one nucleotide forms a covalent bond with the hydroxyl group on the 3' carbon of another nucleotide's sugar. This linkage creates a sugar-phosphate backbone, which is crucial for the stability and integrity of the nucleic acid structure.

Covalent vs. Noncovalent Bonds

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, resulting in a strong and stable connection, as seen in phosphodiester bonds. In contrast, noncovalent bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, are weaker and involve attractions between molecules or parts of molecules. Recognizing the difference between these bond types is vital for understanding the structural properties of nucleic acids and their interactions.

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Textbook Question

If thymine makes up 21% of the DNA nucleotides in the genome of a plant species, what are the percentages of the other nucleotides in the genome?

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Identify two differences in chemical composition that distinguish DNA from RNA.

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What is the central dogma of biology? Identify and describe the molecular processes that accomplish the flow of genetic information described in the central dogma.

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A portion of a polypeptide contains the amino acids Trp-Lys-Met-Ala-Val. Write the possible mRNA and template-strand DNA sequences. (Hint: Use A/G and T/C to indicate that either adenine/guanine or thymine/cytosine could occur in a particular position, and use N to indicate that any DNA nucleotide could appear.)

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Textbook Question

Briefly describe the contribution each of the following people made to the development of genetics or genetic analysis.

Edmund B. Wilson

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Textbook Question

Briefly describe the contribution each of the following people made to the development of genetics or genetic analysis.

Rudolph Virchow

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