The molecules DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids, but they differ in structure and function.

Part A: Identify 2 differences between the structure of DNA and RNA. (2 points)

Part B: Using the following segment of DNA as a template, write the complementary strand of mRNA below: TAC-CGC-TTG-ACA (1 point)

Part C: The deletion of one base in the original segment of DNA is called a frameshift mutation. What will happen to the newly synthesized protein as a result? (1 point)

Respuesta :

Part A: DNA has A paired with T for RNA has U paired with T and DNA stays in the nucleus while RNA goes to get translated into amino acids (proteins).

Part B: AUG-GCG-AAC-UGU

Part C: The newly synthesized protein as a result will have a different structure and function

1. DNA differs from RNA in both structure and function. The two molecules have different types of sugars, vary in the types of nitrogenous bases in each, are found in different places and do different things within the cell. 

First of all, DNA and RNA don't have the same sugar in their backbones; DNA contains deoxyribose, which contains one less oxygen atom than ribose, the sugar in RNA. As for nitrogenous bases, DNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine; RNA consists of adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil. The overall structure of the two molecules also differs: DNA has two strands, while RNA only contains one strand. DNA lives in the nucleus of a cell and cannot traverse the nuclear membrane, whereas RNA enters and exits the nucleus easily. DNA contains the plans for making proteins; however, because it cannot leave the nucleus, an RNA copy is made of the DNA template, and this RNA copy, called messenger RNA, leaves the nucleus.

2. Remember, A pairs with T and G pairs with C. Go through the original 5′ ′′ ′ to 3′ ′′ ′ sequence pairing each A with T and each C with G.  Keep in mind that the complementary strand will read from left to right in the 3′ ′′ ′ to 5′ ′′ ′ direction. Therefore, the complementary strand starts with 3’ and ends with 5’. 
 
              Original strand   5′ ′′ ′ A-C-T-C-G-G-T-A-A 3′ ′′ ′               Complementary strand 3′ ′′ ′ T-G-A-G-C-C-A-T-T 5′ ′′ ′
 
 3.  Basically, the newly synthesized protein will not be able to function properly or it will have a completely different purpose.