Nucleic Acids Structure and Function

This video tutorial by Mr. Poser, an AP Biology teacher, covers the final topic of Unit 1: nucleic acids, focusing on their structure and the differences between DNA and RNA. The video reviews DNA's double-stranded, anti-parallel structure and its nitrogenous bases. It then highlights the structural differences between DNA and RNA, such as the type of pentose sugar and nitrogenous bases. DNA has deoxyribose sugar and thymine, while RNA has ribose sugar and uracil. The video also discusses the stability of DNA compared to RNA and the implications of these differences.

What is the main focus of the video on nucleic acids?

• The applications of nucleic acids in technology

• The history of nucleic acids

• The structural differences between DNA and RNA

• The chemical reactions of nucleic acids

Which of the following describes the structure of DNA?

• Single-stranded and parallel

• Double-stranded and anti-parallel

• Triple-stranded and parallel

• Double-stranded and parallel

What sugar is found in the backbone of DNA?

• Ribose

• Deoxyribose

• Fructose

• Glucose

Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

• Thymine

• Adenine

• Cytosine

• Uracil

What is the key difference in the sugar component between DNA and RNA?

• DNA has an extra oxygen atom

• DNA has an extra nitrogen atom

• RNA has an extra hydrogen atom

• RNA has an extra oxygen atom

How can you distinguish between a DNA and an RNA nucleotide?

• By the presence of a phosphate group

• By the presence of a sugar molecule

• By the presence of a nitrogenous base

• By the presence of an oxygen atom on the two prime carbon

Why is DNA more stable than RNA?

• Because it is found in the nucleus

• Because it is single-stranded

• Because it has more covalent bonds

• Because it has fewer covalent bonds

What happens to RNA in environmental conditions compared to DNA?

• RNA becomes double-stranded

• RNA breaks down more readily

• RNA is more stable

• RNA forms more covalent bonds

Which nitrogenous base pairs with adenine in RNA?

• Thymine

• Cytosine

• Guanine

• Uracil

What is the main topic of the next unit after nucleic acids?

• The cell

• Genetic mutations

• Enzyme activity

• Protein synthesis