Refer to the Accompanying Diagram of a Generalized Tetranucleotide to Answer

question 14

Essay

Refer to the accompanying diagram of a generalized tetranucleotide to answer questions (a) through (e).
(a) Is this a DNA or an RNA molecule?
(b) Place an "X" (in one of the circles in the diagram) at the 3′ end of this tetranucleotide.
(c) Given that the DNA strand, which served as a template for the synthesis of this tetranucleotide, was composed of the bases 5′ - A C A G - 3′, fill in the parentheses (in the diagram) with the expected bases.
(d) Suppose that one of the precursors for this tetranucleotide was a ³²P-labeled guanine nucleoside triphosphate (the innermost phosphate containing the radioactive phosphorus). Circle the radioactive phosphorus atom as it exists in the tetranucleotide.
(e) Given that spleen diesterase (breaks between the phosphate and the 5′ carbon) digests the pictured tetranucleotide, which base(s) among the breakdown products would be expected to be attached to the ³²P?

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Definitions:

Tissue Growth

The process by which cellular divisions and expansions result in an increase in the size and number of cells in a tissue, contributing to the organism's growth.

Cell Shapes

The various morphological forms that cells can take, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Cell Functions

The various processes and activities that occur within a cell to maintain its life, including energy production, metabolism, replication, and response to external signals.

Nuclear Equivalence

The concept that all nuclei in a multicellular organism's cells contain the same genetic information, although different genes may be active in different cells.