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Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role
Frost - General, Organic and Biological Chemistry 4th Edition
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFrost 4th EditionCh.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big RoleProblem 20d
Chapter 7, Problem 20d

Write the base sequence and label the 3' and 5' ends of the complementary strand for a segment of DNA with the following base sequences:
d. 5'CGCGATATTA3'

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of DNA. DNA is composed of two strands that are complementary and antiparallel. This means that the bases pair according to specific rules (A pairs with T, and C pairs with G) and the strands run in opposite directions (5' to 3' and 3' to 5').
Step 2: Identify the given strand's sequence and direction. The problem provides the sequence 5'CGCGATATTA3', which runs from the 5' end to the 3' end.
Step 3: Apply the base-pairing rules to determine the complementary strand. For each base in the given strand: C pairs with G, G pairs with C, A pairs with T, and T pairs with A.
Step 4: Reverse the direction of the complementary strand. Since DNA strands are antiparallel, the complementary strand will run from 3' to 5'. Write the complementary bases in reverse order to reflect this direction.
Step 5: Label the ends of the complementary strand. After determining the sequence and reversing the direction, label the 3' and 5' ends appropriately to complete the complementary strand.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix, with each strand made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). The strands are oriented in opposite directions, with one running 5' to 3' and the other 3' to 5', which is crucial for understanding base pairing and replication.
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DNA Double Helix Concept 1

Complementary Base Pairing

In DNA, complementary base pairing occurs between specific nitrogenous bases: adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G). This pairing is essential for the accurate replication of DNA and the formation of the complementary strand. Understanding this concept is vital for determining the sequence of the complementary strand based on the given sequence.
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Base Pairing Concept 1

5' and 3' Ends

The terms 5' (five prime) and 3' (three prime) refer to the directionality of the DNA strands. The 5' end has a phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon of the sugar, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group attached to the third carbon. Labeling these ends is important for understanding the orientation of the DNA strands and how they interact during processes like transcription and replication.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Describe the orientation of antiparallel strands in DNA. Use the terms 3' and 5' in your description.

Textbook Question

How are the two strands of nucleic acid in DNA held together?

Textbook Question

Write the base sequence and label the 3' and 5' ends of the complementary strand for a segment of DNA with the following base sequences:

b. 5'CCCCTTTT3'

Textbook Question

Fill in the following table with the analogous nucleic acid structures:

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Textbook Question

List the similarities and differences in the secondary structure of a protein and the secondary structure of DNA.

Textbook Question

Name the three types of RNA and their functions.