Deoxyribose sugar

Definition

Deoxyribose sugar is a five-carbon sugar that is a crucial component of DNA nucleotides. It differs from ribose, the sugar found in RNA, by lacking one oxygen atom, which gives it the 'deoxy' prefix. This modification is important for the structural stability of DNA and plays a significant role in the overall function of nucleic acids.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deoxyribose has the chemical formula C5H10O4, which indicates it has one fewer oxygen atom than ribose, contributing to DNA's stability.
2. The presence of deoxyribose allows DNA to form a double helix structure that is essential for its function in storing genetic information.
3. Deoxyribose is attached to nitrogenous bases like adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine to form the structural framework of DNA nucleotides.
4. In biochemical reactions, deoxyribose can participate in the synthesis of DNA during replication and transcription processes.
5. The absence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon in deoxyribose makes DNA less reactive compared to RNA, which contributes to its longevity as a genetic material.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of deoxyribose sugar influence the stability and function of DNA?
  • The structure of deoxyribose sugar, specifically its lack of an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon, contributes to the stability of DNA by reducing its reactivity compared to RNA. This stability allows DNA to maintain its integrity over long periods, making it ideal for storing genetic information. Additionally, the unique structure supports the formation of the double helix, crucial for replication and proper functioning in cellular processes.
• Compare and contrast deoxyribose and ribose sugars in terms of their roles in nucleic acids.
  • Deoxyribose and ribose sugars serve as fundamental components of nucleic acids but have distinct roles due to their structural differences. Deoxyribose is found in DNA, providing stability and supporting its double helix structure, while ribose is present in RNA and contributes to its higher reactivity. The extra hydroxyl group in ribose makes RNA more versatile for various functions like protein synthesis and gene expression.
• Evaluate the impact of deoxyribose sugar's structure on DNA replication and its implications for genetic fidelity.
  • The structural features of deoxyribose sugar directly impact DNA replication by ensuring that the double-stranded molecule remains stable while allowing precise pairing with complementary nucleotides. Its reduced reactivity minimizes errors during replication processes, contributing to genetic fidelity. This accuracy is crucial for maintaining the integrity of genetic information across generations, allowing organisms to pass on traits without significant mutations or changes.

Related terms

Ribose: A five-carbon sugar that is a component of RNA nucleotides, differing from deoxyribose by having an additional hydroxyl group.

Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and a sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose).

Phosphodiester bond: A chemical bond that links the 5' carbon atom of one nucleotide's phosphate group to the 3' carbon atom of another nucleotide's sugar, forming the backbone of DNA and RNA strands.