Which Sugar is Present in the Nucleic Acid Represented in the Diagram?

In the field of molecular biology, nucleic acids play a vital role in storing and transmitting genetic information. Composed of nucleotides, these macromolecules consist of three essential components: a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and a sugar molecule. The sugar moiety, also known as the sugar-phosphate backbone, differs between DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), leading to their distinct structural and functional characteristics.

What do we mean by the term sugar in the context of nucleic acids?

The term sugar in nucleic acids refers to the five-carbon sugar molecule that forms a crucial part of the nucleotide monomers. It is this sugar molecule that provides the backbone for the nucleic acid strand, linking the individual nucleotides together. In DNA, the sugar is called deoxyribose, while in RNA, it is known as ribose.

How is the sugar molecule connected to the nucleotide?

The sugar molecule is connected to the nucleotide through a covalent bond formed between the carbon atom of the sugar and the phosphate group. This bond, known as a phosphodiester bond, creates a linear chain of nucleotides, forming the backbone of the nucleic acid strand. The nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine in DNA, or uracil instead of thymine in RNA) project from this sugar-phosphate backbone, enabling the encoding and transmission of genetic information.

What is known about the sugar present in the nucleic acid represented in the diagram?

To determine the sugar present in the nucleic acid in the provided diagram, one must carefully examine the chemical structure. If the diagram represents DNA, the sugar would be deoxyribose, while if it represents RNA, the sugar would be ribose. Deoxyribose lacks an oxygen atom at the 2′ carbon position that ribose possesses, differentiating the two sugars. By analyzing the diagram’s representation and identifying any distinguishing features, it is possible to deduce whether the sugar is deoxyribose or ribose.

Solution:

To definitively determine the sugar present in the nucleic acid represented in the diagram, one must conduct further experiments or analyze additional information, such as genetic sequence data or biochemical assays. These methods can provide conclusive evidence and aid in the accurate identification of the sugar molecule.

In conclusion, the sugar molecule present in the nucleic acid represented in the diagram can be determined by carefully examining the structural features and distinguishing characteristics. DNA contains deoxyribose, whereas RNA contains ribose. Further experimentation or analysis is required to confirm the sugar present, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nucleic acid’s composition.

READ TOO : What Did Chargaff Discover While Studying Bases In The Dna Of Organisms?

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can nucleic acids contain other sugars besides deoxyribose and ribose?
A: Yes, some modified nucleotides can have sugars such as 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-arabinose or 2′-O-methyl-ribonucleotides.

Q: How does the sugar-phosphate backbone contribute to the stability of nucleic acids?
A: The sugar-phosphate backbone provides rigidity and structural stability to the nucleic acid helix, allowing it to maintain its shape and protect the genetic information stored within it.

Q: Are there any diseases or disorders related to abnormalities in nucleic acid sugars?
A: Yes, certain rare genetic disorders, such as ribose-5-phosphate isomerase deficiency, can cause problems in the metabolism of ribose, leading to health complications.

Q: Can the identification of the sugar in a nucleic acid help in diagnosing genetic diseases?
A: Identifying the specific sugar present in a nucleic acid alone might not directly aid in diagnosing genetic diseases. However, analyzing the nucleotide sequence and identifying any mutations or abnormalities can provide valuable information for genetic disease diagnosis and research.