4.1 Nucleotides

Recall the structure of a nucleotide as the monomer from which nucleic acids are made.

Describe differences between RNA and DNA nucleotides, recall the structure of purines and pyrimidines and identify the type of pentose sugar.

Describe the structure of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as phosphorylated nucleotides.

Describe the synthesis and breakdown of polynucleotides by the formation and breakage of phosphodiester bonds.

Describe the structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), include how H bonding between complementary base pairs (A to T, G to C) leads to its ‘double-helix’ shape.

Describe roles of the enzymes helicase and DNA polymerase in semi-conservative DNA replication and explain the importance of replication.

Describe the nature of the genetic code, include triplet code, non-overlapping, degenerate and universal nature of the code and how a gene determines the sequence of amino acids.

Describe and explain transcription and translation of genes resulting in the synthesis of polypeptides, include the roles of RNA polymerase, (m)RNA, (t)RNA and (r)RNA.