Question

For each of the following features of nucleic acids, indicate whether it is true of DNA only, of RNA only, of both DNA and RNA, or of neither.Is an inherently directional molecule, with an N-Terminus on one end and a C-Terminus on the other endCOntains the base adenineCOntains the nucleotide deoxythmidine monophosphateOccurs only in signle stranded formIs synthesized by a process that involves base pairingIs involved in the process of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm of the cells in the liver

Answer 1

Is an inherently directional molecule – BOTH

with an N-Terminus on one end and a C-Terminus on the other end – NEITHER

Contains the base adenine – DNA

Contains the nucleotide deoxythymidine monophosphate – BOTH

Occurs only in single-stranded form – RNA

Is synthesized by a process that involves base pairing – BOTH

Is involved in the process of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm of the cells in the liver – RNA

Answer 2

Nucleic acid is one of the four major macromolecules that is present in all life forms. It includes DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). It is made up of small unit called nucleotides.

A nucleotide contains a pentose sugar that is deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA, nitrogenous base that is Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine in DNA and Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine in RNA, and a phosphate group.

It is synthesised by a process of comlementary base pairing ( such as in double stranded DNA, A pairs with T and G pairs with C).

DNA is converted to mRNA inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cell and mRNA is then translated to protein when it moves the cytosplasm of the cell.

Thus, the correct answers are as follows-

1) Is an inherently directional molecule, with an N-Terminus on one end and a C-Terminus on the other end - true neither for RNA or DNA.

2) Contains the base adenine- True for both DNA and RNA.

3) Contains the nucleotide deoxythmidine monophosphate- True for DNA

4) Occurs only in signle stranded form- True for both RNA and DNA( such as single stranded DNA in DNA virus, and RNA in single stranded RNA in AIDS virus).

5) Is synthesized by a process that involves base pairing- True for both DNA and RNA.

6) Is involved in the process of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm of the cells in the liver- True for RNA ( particularly messenger RNA, mRNA)