Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 20

Structural complementarity is the key to molecular recognition, a lesson learned in Chapter 1. The principle of structural complementarity is relevant to answering problems \(5,6,7,11,12,\) and 19 The quintessential example of structural complementarity in all of biology is the DNA double helix. What features of the DNA double helix exemplify structural complementarity?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The features of the DNA double helix that exemplify structural complementarity are the pairing of complementary bases (adenine with thymine, cytosine with guanine), the consistency in the distance between the two strands, and the antiparallel orientation of the two strands.

Step by step solution

01

Understand DNA Structure

DNA is a double-stranded molecule arranged in a double helix structure. Each strand is made up of a series of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and one of four types of nitrogenous bases, adenine(A), cytosine(C), guanine(G), or thymine(T).
02

Understand Structural Complementarity

Structural complementarity is a concept in molecular biology which means that molecules fit together because their shapes are complementary. They can physically bind to each other because their structures match.
03

Identify Structure Complementarity in DNA

In the DNA double helix structure, the two strands are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions. Each base on one strand pairs with a complementary base on the opposite strand, forming base pairs: adenine (A) with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) with guanine (G). This pairing is specific and is known as complementary base pairing. Also, the distance between the two strands remains consistent due to this pairing. This is a clear demonstration of structural complementarity.

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

Adhering to the convention of writing nucleotide sequences in the \(5^{\prime} \rightarrow 3^{\prime}\) direction, what is the nucleotide sequence of the DNA strand that is complementary to d-ATCGCAACTGTCACTA?

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.

Draw the principal ionic species of \(5^{\prime}\) -GMP occurring at pH 2.

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?

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?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Kinetics

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