The Structure of RNA and DNA molecules

Aims: To understand the structure of RNA and DNA nucleotides. To learn how to draw
simple diagrams of each, including polymerisation forming RNA and DNA molecules.

Introduction – Three Shapes to use.

RNA and DNA diagrams can be simplified to
The three parts of nucleotides.
show the components as simple shapes. The
bonds between each part must be connected 5-carbon sugar, Ribose or Deoxyribose
in exactly the right place, showing an
understanding of covalent bonds and
hydrogen bonds. Phosphate

Examiner’s note:
Nitrogenous base ( T, A, C, G or U)
Biological diagrams need: strong clear lines,
accurate shapes, neat labelling, and no
shading.

1. Using the three shapes, draw a simple, labelled diagram of an RNA nucleotide.

Draw your diagram here.

The carbon atoms of the sugar are numbered which helps us to explain the bonds precisely.
(Note: 1’ is read as “five prime”)

2. On which Carbon atom does the base attach? ………………………………………….

3. On which carbon atom does the phosphate attach? ..………………………………………..

© David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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 The Structure of RNA and DNA molecules

Each nucleotide can connect to two others by a covalent bond.

This bond forms between the phosphate of the 5’ carbon and the -OH group of the 3’ carbon.

As this is essentially a reaction between two -OH groups forming water, it can be called a
“condensation reaction”. The remaining oxygen atom becomes a bridging oxygen atom holding the
phosphate to the sugar molecule.

4. Represent three RNA nucleotides joined in this way, forming a polymer of RNA nucleotides.
This is an RNA molecule. Remember to label one base, a sugar and a phosphate.

Draw your diagram here.

© David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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 The Structure of RNA and DNA molecules

DNA molecules have just the same structure as RNA, except they have two strands.
The second strand is ‘antiparallel’. This means it is upside down.
The bases are on the inside of the molecule, and they are held together by weaker hydrogen bonds.
Hydrogen bonds are usually shown by a broken line, e.g. - - - - -
Adenine always pairs with Thymine, Cytosine always with Guanine. There is no Uracil in DNA.

5. Using the simple shapes, draw a representation of a DNA molecule with six nucleotides.
Remember to label the parts and label a covalent bond and a hydrogen bond.

Draw your diagram here.

© David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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 The Structure of RNA and DNA molecules

Label you might use Details

Deoxyribose sugar This five-carbon sugar is found in DNA.

Ribose sugar The five-carbon sugar found in RNA

Phosphate group Together with the ribose sugar it makes the backbone of RNA and DNA.

Base
The order of these bases on the DNA makes the genetic code.
(nitrogen-containing)

Adenine The base that pairs with Thymine

Thymine Base only found only in DNA that pairs with Adenine.

Cytosine The base that pairs with Guanine.

Guanine The base that pairs with Cytosine.

Uracil Base found only in RNA that pairs with Adenine.

The weak bonds that form between complimentary base pairs which hold
Hydrogen Bonds
the two strands of DNA together. (They can form between bases of RNA)

The name of the twisted shape of the DNA molecule, ‘Double’ as it

Double Helix
contains two strands.

Complementary The specific pairing of bases in DNA:

base pairs A to T and C to G

© David Faure, InThinking www.thinkib.net/biology

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