Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 19

The bases of nucleotides and polynucleotides are "information symbols." Their central role in providing information content to DNA and RNA is clear. What advantages might bases as "information symbols" bring to the roles of nucleotides in metabolism?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The bases in nucleotides acting as 'information symbols' gear a key advantage for metabolic processes. Their role allows for a tight coupling between a cell's genetic code and its metabolic activities. The DNA sequences can guide the production of proteins critical for specific metabolic tasks. Furthermore, through gene regulation, these 'symbols' enable cells to adapt their metabolic activities based on external or internal cues, improving efficiency and precision.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Role of Nucleotides as 'Information Symbols'

To start with, it's important to understand what it means that nucleotides serve as 'information symbols'. In genetics, information symbols refer to nucleotides: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G) in DNA, and Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G) in RNA. These bases are the molecular 'letters' vital for storing and transmitting genetic information. They form pairs (A-T and C-G in DNA; A-U and C-G in RNA) which form the rungs of the DNA/RNA ladder-like structure.
02

Exploring the Role of Nucleotides in Metabolism

Next, it's important to consider how this information-storage role might be advantageous to the metabolic roles of nucleotides. Nucleotides are not just constituents of DNA/RNA, they are also fundamental to various metabolic processes. ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a nucleotide, for example, acts as the primary energy currency of the cell. This ties nucleotides to energy processing and transfer within the cell.
03

Benefits of Bases as 'Information Symbols' in Metabolic Roles

Now, to combine these concepts, the benefit of nucleotides as information symbols lies in the tight integration between genetics and metabolism. For instance, the sequence of 'information symbols' in the DNA can guide the production of specific proteins that are integral for specific metabolic functions. Further, the flexibility in base pairing can enable complex control mechanisms, like gene regulation, allowing cells to adapt their metabolic activities based on internal or external cues. The consistent use of these 'symbols' across diverse cellular processes improves efficiency and precision.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The DNA strand that is complementary to the template strand copied by RNA polymerase during transcription has a nucleotide sequence identical to that of the RNA being synthesized (except T residues are found in the DNA strand at sites where U residues occur in the RNA). An RNA transcribed from this nontemplate DNA strand would be complementary to the mRNA synthesized by RNA polymerase. Such an RNA is called antisense RNA because its base sequence is complementary to the "sense" mRNA. One strategy to thwart the deleterious effects of genes activated in disease states (such as cancer) is to generate antisense RNAs in affected cells. These antisense RNAs would form double- stranded hybrids with mRNAs transcribed from the activated genes and prevent their translation into protein. Suppose transcription of a cancer-activated gene yielded an mRNA whose sequence included the segment \(5^{\prime}-\) UACGGUCUAAGCUGA. What is the corresponding nucleotide sequence \(\left(5^{\prime} \rightarrow 3^{\prime}\right)\) of the template strand in a DNA duplex that might be introduced into these cells so that an antisense RNA could be transcribed from it?

Phosphate groups are also integral parts of nucleotides, with the second and third phosphates of a nucleotide linked through phosphoric anhydride bonds, an important distinction in terms of the metabolic role of nucleotides. a. What property does a phosphate group have that a nucleoside lacks? b. How are phosphoric anhydride bonds useful in metabolism? c. How are phosphate anhydride bonds an advantage to the energetics of polynucleotide synthesis?

Restriction endonucleases also recognize specific base sequences and then act to cleave the double-stranded DNA at a defined site. Speculate on the mechanisms by which this sequence recognition and cleavage reaction might occur by listing a set of requirements for the process to take place.

A carbohydrate group is an integral part of a nucleoside. a. What advantage does the carbohydrate provide? Polynucleotides are formed through formation of a sugarphosphate backbone. b. Why might ribose be preferable for this backbone instead of glucose? c. Why might 2-deoxyribose be preferable to ribose in some situations?

Gene expression is controlled through the interaction of proteins with specific nucleotide sequences in double-stranded DNA. a. List the kinds of noncovalent interactions that might take place between a protein and DNA. b. How do you suppose a particular protein might specifically interact with a particular nucleotide sequence in DNA? That is, how might proteins recognize specific base sequences within the double helix?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free