Outline DNA nucleotide structure in terms of sugar (deoxyribose), base and phosphate.

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IB Biology SL III                                                                    Ryan Martucci

Topic 2:  The Chemistry of Life                                         2-10-03       8th period

Sub-topic:  2.4 DNA Structure

2.4.1        2        Outline DNA nucleotide structure in terms of sugar (deoxyribose),

                base and phosphate.

                Genetic information is stored by nucleic acid.  There are two kinds of

                nucleic acids:  deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) and ribose nucleic acid

                (RNA).  For the majority of organisms genetic information is stored in

                DNA in the nucleus and RNA are found in the cytoplasm.  (Some viruses

                and prokaryotes store genetic information in RNA.)  Nucleotides are

                complex molecules consisting of three molecules linked together:  1. a

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                ribose pinto sugar, 2. a phosphate group, 3. a nitrogen bade.  The sugar

                can be two possible sugars:  1. Ribose gives RNA with the molecular

                formula, C5H10O5, 2.  Deoxyribose gives DNA with the molecular formula

                C5H10O4.  The phosphate’s molecular formula is H3PO4.

                Building a nucleotide:  The nucleotide is usually represented as follows.  

                

Topic 2:  The Chemistry of Life

Sub-topic:  2.4 DNA Structure

Page: 2

Since the reactions involves are condensation reactions, the equation

                becomes phosphate + sugar + organic base = ...

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