Topic 6.1*: DNA & RNA Structure

What is the primary source of genetic information?

• Carbohydrates

• DNA/RNA

• Lipids

• Proteins

Answer explanation

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids. Nucleic acids are the source of genetic information for all organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Prokaryotic DNA is...

• Double stranded and circular

• Double stranded and linear

• Single stranded and circular

• Single stranded and linear

Answer explanation

Prokaryotes have a single circular DNA strand while eukaryotes have multiple linear DNA strands.

DNA is traditionally double stranded.

Eukaryotic DNA is...

• Double stranded and circular

• Double stranded and linear

• Single stranded and circular

• Single stranded and linear

Answer explanation

Eukaryotes have multiple linear DNA strands while prokaryotes have a single circular DNA strand.

DNA is traditionally double stranded.

How do the number of origins of replication differ and why?

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells have ONE origin of replication, and Eukaryotic cells have MULTIPLE origins of replication. Prokaryotic cells have single circular DNA strands, so it would be more efficient to start at one location and move around the entire circle to make two DNA strands. Eukaryotic cells have multiple linear DNA strands, so they have multiple origins of replication to increase efficiency and allow for DNA to replicate quickly.

What is a plasmid?

Answer explanation

Small, extra chromosomal, double stranded, circular DNA molecule.

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have plasmids?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Although traditionally discussed in prokaryotes, plasmids have been found in eukaryotes.

Plasmids carry a minimum of one gene that is beneficial to the host but do not carry genetic information about the organism.

Plasmids can provide genetic variation to prokaryotes?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Plasmids are small, extra chromosomal, double stranded, circular DNA molecule. This is additional genetic information that can provide additional genetic information thus genetic variation.

In RNA, adenine pairs with...

• Cytosine

• Guanine

• Thymine

• Uracil

Answer explanation

RNA has four nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil. Base pairing is Adenine with Uracil and Cytosine with Guanine.

Apples Under the Tree (A-U)

Cars in the Garage (C-G)

In DNA, adenine pairs with...

• Cytosine

• Guanine

• Thymine

• Uracil

Answer explanation

DNA has four nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. Base pairing is Adenine with Thymine and Cytosine with Guanine.

Apples in the Tree (A-T)

Cars in the Garage (C-G)

In RNA or DNA, cytosine pairs with...

• Adenine

• Guanine

• Thymine

• Uracil

Answer explanation

There are five nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, and uracil. Base pairing is Adenine with Thymine or Uracil and Cytosine with Guanine.

Apples in the Tree (A-T)

Cars in the Garage (C-G)