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Ch. 5 - Genetics
Norman-McKay- Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles 2nd Edition
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksNorman-McKay 2nd EditionCh. 5 - GeneticsProblem 3
Chapter 5, Problem 3

Select the false statement:
a. DNA is made of deoxyribonucleotides.
b. RNA is made of ribonucleotides.
c. RNA is built in a 5' to 3' direction.
d. DNA is built in a 5' to 3' direction.
e. RNA primase builds RNA in transcription.

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the basic composition of DNA and RNA. DNA is composed of deoxyribonucleotides, which are nucleotides containing deoxyribose sugar, while RNA is composed of ribonucleotides, which contain ribose sugar.
Step 2: Recall the directionality of nucleic acid synthesis. Both DNA and RNA strands are synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning new nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the growing strand.
Step 3: Differentiate between the enzymes involved in DNA replication and RNA synthesis. RNA primase synthesizes short RNA primers during DNA replication, not during transcription.
Step 4: Understand the process of transcription. During transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template, not RNA primase.
Step 5: Based on these points, identify the false statement by checking which option incorrectly describes the role of RNA primase or any other aspect of nucleic acid structure or synthesis.

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Key Concepts

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

Nucleic Acid Structure

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids composed of nucleotide monomers. DNA contains deoxyribonucleotides, which lack an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon of the sugar, while RNA contains ribonucleotides with a hydroxyl group at the same position. This structural difference affects their stability and function.
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Nucleic Acids

Directionality of Nucleic Acid Synthesis

Both DNA and RNA strands are synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning new nucleotides are added to the 3' hydroxyl end. This directionality is crucial for understanding replication and transcription mechanisms.
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Role of RNA Primase and Transcription

RNA primase synthesizes short RNA primers during DNA replication to initiate DNA synthesis, not during transcription. Transcription is carried out by RNA polymerase, which builds RNA strands complementary to the DNA template.
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1) RNA Processing
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Codons are ___________ nucleotides long and are in ___________, which is transcribed from DNA. During ___________, tRNAs serve as adapter molecules to bring ___________ to the ribosome to build a protein. Once the ribosome reaches a(n) ___________ on the mRNA, translation ends.

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Textbook Question

Match the following:

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Textbook Question

List three features of the genetic code.

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Textbook Question

Indicate the true statements and then correct the false statements so that they are true.

a. DNA is replicated in a 3' to 5' direction.

b. DNA has a parallel arrangement.

c. RNA primase is required on the leading and the lagging strand.

d. DNA ligase forms phosphodiester bonds between Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.

e. Prokaryotic mRNA requires processing before it is translated.

f. In RNA, A bonds to U.

g. In DNA, C bonds with G.

h. RNA contains deoxyribonucleotides.

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Textbook Question

During ___________ a pilus forms between an F+ and an F−cell and allows for the exchange of genetic material. By the end of the process, the previously F− cell is converted to a(n) ___________ cell.