Understanding DNA Structure and Function

What are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA?

• Sugars

• Nucleotides

• Amino acids

• Fatty acids

What is the sugar component called in DNA?

• Ribose

• Deoxyribose

• Glucose

• Fructose

DNA is described as being anti-parallel. What does this mean?

• It does not connect at any point

• It flows in opposite directions on each strand

• It is parallel and never intersects

• It only flows in one direction

During DNA replication, where can new nucleotides be added?

• To the 5' end

• Anywhere on the DNA strand

• To the 3' end

• To the middle of the DNA strand

Which base does Adenine always pair with in DNA?

• Cytosine

• Guanine

• Uracil

• Thymine

What type of bond holds the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA structure?

• Metallic bonds

• Ionic bonds

• Covalent bonds

• Hydrogen bonds

What does the 'acid' part in 'deoxyribonucleic acid' refer to?

• The nitrogenous bases

• The phosphate group

• The acidic nature of the sugar

• The presence of amino acids

Why is DNA considered more stable than RNA?

• Because of its double helix structure

• Because it is found only in the nucleus

• Because of its single-stranded structure

• Because it contains uracil

Why is DNA important?

• it is very small and very complicated
• it's in everything
• it serves as the blueprint for traits of all living things
• because we eat it every day for energy

What determines the code, or information, of a DNA molecule?

• the shape (structure) of the nitrogen bases
• the order (sequence) of the nitrogen bases
• the color of the nitrogen bases
• the frequency (number) of nitrogen bases