Warm-Up: Nucleic Acids (DNA vs RNA)
Read the passage and answer the questions. Focus on nucleotide structure, the differences between DNA and RNA, and the elements (CHONP) found in nucleic acids.
Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store, copy, and help use genetic information. The two main nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). Both are polymers made of repeating subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.
The sugar and phosphate group connect to form a repeating sugar–phosphate backbone. The nitrogen bases stick out from the backbone and carry information. In DNA, the bases are A, T, C, and G. In RNA, the bases are A, U, C, and G (uracil replaces thymine).
DNA usually exists as a double-stranded molecule shaped like a twisted ladder (a double helix). The strands are held together by base pairing: A pairs with T and C pairs with G. RNA is usually single-stranded and can fold into different shapes.
DNA’s main job is long-term storage of genetic instructions. RNA helps cells use those instructions to build proteins. For example, mRNA carries a copy of a DNA message to where proteins are made, and other RNAs help assemble amino acids into a protein.
Nucleic acids are made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CHONP). The phosphate group is important because it contains phosphorus and helps form the backbone that links nucleotides together.
Which nitrogen base is found in RNA but not DNA?
Which set lists the three parts of a nucleotide?
In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
Which elements are found in nucleic acids? (Select 2)
What sugar is found in DNA?
Which statement best describes the role of mRNA?
What is the main function of DNA in a cell?
Which statements describe BOTH DNA and RNA? (Select 2)
Match each feature to DNA or RNA.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Contains uracil (U) | arrow_right_alt | DNA |
Often helps make proteins | arrow_right_alt | RNA |
Typically double-stranded | arrow_right_alt | DNA |
Sugar is deoxyribose | arrow_right_alt | RNA |
Phosphate groups contain phosphorus, which is part of the CHONP elements found in nucleic acids.
Sort each statement into DNA only, RNA only, or Both.
Contains CHONP elements
Usually single-stranded
Made of nucleotides
Has sugar–phosphate backbone
Double helix
Can fold into shapes
Uses thymine (T)
Stores long-term instructions
Uses uracil (U)
DNA only
RNA only
Both
What forms the repeating “backbone” of DNA and RNA strands?