1. Biochemistry Unit

2.  Nucleic acids direct the growth and development of every living organism. Included in this group is DNA, RNA, and ATP. As well, the nucleotide coenzymes FAD, NAD, and NADP are also included in this group. (These molecules are an essential part of the process of cellular respiration and photosynthesis). Can also act as a messenger between hormone interactions (cAMP).  DNA and RNA are polymers that are made up of monomer units called nucleotides. They are the only molecules that can produce identical copies of themselves.  ATP and nucleotide coenzymes are monomers.

3. A nucleotide is made up of three main components: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen containing base. A nucleotide is made up of three main components: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen containing base.

4.  DNA is the source of genetic information for every living organism.  Directs all cellular activities and is able to replicate itself so that new cells and organisms can be created.  DNA is a polymer of many nucleotides.  ATP, NAD+, FAD, NADP+ are monomers.

5.  Phosphate:  Deoxyribose sugar:  Nitrogenous base (one of four)…

6.  Divided into two groups based upon the number of rings in the structure.  Purines: two rings, adenine and guanine.  Pyrimidines: one ring, thymine and cytosine.

7.  DNA nucleotides are joined together at the phosphate group through phosphodiester bonds between carbon five (5') of one molecule to the hydroxyl group at carbon three (3') from another molecule.  Additional nucleotides are always added on to the 3' end of the previous nucleotide (5' → 3').

8.  Hydrogen bonds unite strands of DNA together.  Adenine will always bind to thymine by two hydrogen bonds.  Guanine and cytosine will always bind together by three hydrogen bonds.  A purine will only pair up with its complementary pyrimidine.

9.  RNA is also a polymer made up of nucleotides. Composed of a:  Ribose sugar  Phosphate group  Four nitrogen containing bases (C G A and U)  All of the bases are the same as those found in DNA except Uracil replaces thymine in RNA.  RNA is single stranded and its function is to translate and transcribe the genetic information into proteins.

10.  RNA is also synthesized in the 5' → 3' direction in a condensation reaction.  A phosphodiester bond forms between the phosphate group from one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group from the second nucleotide.

12.  ATP is composed of a single nucleotide, a monomer unit Composed of:  nitrogen base called adenosine  a ribose sugar  three phosphate groups  ATP is the energy providing molecule of the cell. High energy bonds are formed between each phosphate group and the ribose sugar. When these bonds break, energy is released. ATP is one of the products of cellular respiration.