key term - Deoxyribonucleotide

Definition

A deoxyribonucleotide is a type of nucleotide that forms the building blocks of DNA, consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. This structure is essential for storing and transmitting genetic information, as it connects through phosphodiester bonds to form the DNA backbone, enabling the formation of the double helix structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deoxyribonucleotides differ from ribonucleotides in that they contain deoxyribose sugar instead of ribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom at the 2' position.
2. There are four types of deoxyribonucleotides corresponding to the four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
3. Deoxyribonucleotides link together via phosphodiester bonds between the 5' phosphate group of one nucleotide and the 3' hydroxyl group of another to form long DNA strands.
4. The sequence of deoxyribonucleotides along a DNA strand encodes genetic information, which is crucial for processes like replication and transcription.
5. Deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) are the energy-rich forms used during DNA synthesis, where the two terminal phosphates are released to provide energy for polymerization.

Review Questions

• What is the role of deoxyribonucleotides in forming the structure of DNA?
  • Deoxyribonucleotides are essential for constructing DNA's double helix structure. They consist of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, which connect through phosphodiester bonds to form the DNA backbone. This backbone provides stability and integrity to the DNA strand while allowing for the specific pairing of nitrogenous bases between complementary strands.
• Compare and contrast deoxyribonucleotides with ribonucleotides in terms of structure and function.
  • Deoxyribonucleotides contain deoxyribose sugar, while ribonucleotides contain ribose sugar. This difference in sugar affects their overall structure and stability; ribonucleotides are more reactive due to the presence of an additional hydroxyl group. Functionally, deoxyribonucleotides are the building blocks of DNA, whereas ribonucleotides make up RNA, playing different roles in genetic information storage and protein synthesis.
• Evaluate how mutations in deoxyribonucleotide sequences can impact genetic expression and lead to diseases.
  • Mutations in deoxyribonucleotide sequences can lead to changes in the genetic code that affect gene expression. These changes can result from substitutions, insertions, or deletions of nucleotides, potentially altering protein synthesis. If critical genes responsible for regulating cell growth or function are affected by these mutations, it may lead to diseases such as cancer or genetic disorders. Understanding these mutations highlights the importance of deoxyribonucleotides in maintaining genomic integrity.

Related terms

Nucleotide: A nucleotide is the basic unit of nucleic acids, made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA:

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Nitrogenous Base: Nitrogenous bases are organic molecules that contain nitrogen and are critical components of nucleotides, with types including adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine in DNA.