Exam 9: DNA Structure and Analysis

Deoxyribonuclease is an enzyme that adds 3' -hydroxyl groups to RNA.

Explain how and why the following circumstances influence characteristics of temperature -induced DNA melting: percentage of GC base pairs urea (forms hydrogen bonds with bases) sodium chloride (neutralizes negatively charged phosphates)

List two major differences between RNA and DNA at the level of the nucleotide.

What is the name of the precursor molecule used in nucleic acid synthesis?

If the GC content of a DNA molecule is 60 percent, what are the molar percentages of the four bases (G, C, T, A)?

In ribose, the 2' -C has an OH attached to it.

Considering the Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics, what general property is ascribed to DNA?

In the 1860s, a Swiss chemist, Friedrick Miescher, isolated an acidic substance from cell nuclei. What was the name of this substance, and what was its significance?

Considering the structure of double -stranded DNA, which kind(s) of bonds hold one complementary strand to the other?

Briefly define transformation and describe the relationship between the phenomenon of transformation and the discovery that DNA is the genetic material in bacteria.

DNA has no sulfur, and proteins have no phosphorus.

Present an overview of two classical experiments that demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material. Can RNA be the genetic material? Explain.

Assume that the molar percentage of thymine in a double -stranded DNA is 20. What are the percentages of the four bases (G, C, T, A)? If the DNA is single -stranded, would you change your answer?

What is the difference between a polynucleotide and an oligonucleotide?

The transforming principle discovered by Griffith is RNA.

When considering the structure of DNA, we would say that complementary strands are antiparallel.

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme found in association with retroviral activity. It has the property of _.

G and C are present in both DNA and RNA.

During the polymerization of nucleic acids, covalent bonds are formed between neighboring nucleotides. Which carbons are involved in such bonds?

Consider the structure of double -stranded DNA. When DNA is placed into distilled water, it denatures; however, by adding NaCl, the DNA renatures. Why?