Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 25: Problem 23

Describe the structure of a nucleotide.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A nucleotide is made up of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base. The phosphate attaches to the 5' carbon of the sugar molecule, and the nitrogenous base attaches to its 1' carbon. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and also serve as energy-carrying and signalling molecules in the cells.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Components of a Nucleotide

A nucleotide is made up of three major structures: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule(five-carbon), and a nitrogenous base. There are two types of nitrogenous bases: purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil). The type of sugar molecule also varies; DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.
02

Describe the Assembly of Components

Each of the elements of a nucleotide is connected in a certain way. The phosphate group is connected to the 5' carbon of the sugar molecule, creating the backbones of DNA and RNA structures. The nitrogenous base is connected to the 1' carbon of the sugar. So, in general a nucleotide can be represented like: Phosphate-Sugar-Base.
03

Discuss the Function of a Nucleotide

Nucleotides serve multiple functions. They are the basic building units of DNA and RNA that carry information for the synthesis of proteins. They also play a crucial role in cellular metabolism and signalling. For instance, important energy carrying molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and signalling molecule cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) are nucleotides.

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 following are data obtained on the rate of product formation of an enzyme- catalyzed reaction: $$ \begin{array}{cc} \hline \text { Temperature }\left({ }^{\circ} \mathbf{C}\right) & \begin{array}{c} \text { Rate of Product } \\ \text { Formation }(M / s) \end{array} \\ \hline 10 & 0.0025 \\ 20 & 0.0048 \\ 30 & 0.0090 \\ 35 & 0.0086 \\ 45 & 0.0012 \\ \hline \end{array} $$ Comment on the dependence of rate on temperature. (No calculations are required.)

Describe the formation of polystyrene.

Draw the structures of the dipeptides that can be formed from the reaction between the amino acids glycine and lysine.

Why is sickle cell anemia called a molecular disease?

"Dark meat" and "white meat" are one's choices when eating a turkey. Explain what causes the meat to assume different colors.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

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