2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA
IB Syllabus Statement
Understandings:
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The nucleic acids DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.
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DNA differs from RNA in the number of strands present, the base composition and the type of pentose.
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DNA is a double helix made of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.
Applications and skills:
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Application: Crick and Watson’s elucidation of the structure of DNA using model making.
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Skill: Drawing simple diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides of DNA and RNA, using circles, pentagons and rectangles to represent phosphates, pentoses and bases.
Videos
DNA Structure
DNA Replication SL
Elucidation of DNA Structure
Meselson and Stahl Experiment
Production of Human Insulin in Bacteria
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Topic 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA SSaQ (Syllabus Statement as Questions)
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Outline the structure and components of DNA and RNA.
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Compare DNA and RNA.
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Explain the antiparallel nature of DNA using hydrogen bonding and complementary base pairing.
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Outline how the structure of DNA was elucidated using models.
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Draw a diagram showing a section of DNA containing 4 nucleotides. Use circles, pentagons and rectangles as simple shapes to illustrate this.