DNA Structure Exercise

Nucleotide Structure Simulation

A nucleoside is a ribose plus a base, with no phosphate. When one or more phosphates are bonded to the ribose or deoxyribose, the nucleoside becomes a nucleotide. Note that RNA and DNA are defined by the presence of ribose or deoxyribose, respectively, and not by the bases attached to them. However, uracil is commonly found in RNA, and thymine in DNA, and thus the exercise will only accept those bases for attachment to the respective ribose and deoxyribose groups.

Refer to Figure 3.1.

Prerequisite skills needed:

Relevant book section: pages 62-64

By completing this simulation, you will:

Understand the chemical differences between DNA and RNA nucleotides
Build nucleosides and nucleotides from their respective components

Drag and drop the falling molecules onto the pentose sugars below to construct nucleosides. Build four different DNA nucleosides and four different RNA nucleosides.

Great! You’ve created DNA and RNA nucleosides. Now drag and drop the falling molecules onto the nucleosides to construct DNA and RNA 5’ monophosphate nucleotides.

Nice work! Now sort the nucleotides: drag and drop the DNA nucleotides into the left box and the RNA nucleotides into the right box.

Congratulations, you finished the exercise! However, your score indicates you have some uncertainty with deoxyribonucleotide and ribonucleotide structure. Try the exercise again before taking the Tutorial Comprehension Quiz.

Congratulations, you finished the exercise! However, your score indicates your knowledge of deoxyribonucleotide and ribonucleotide structure is not adequate. Consider reviewing your text, and then try the exercise again before taking the Tutorial Comprehension Quiz.

Congratulations, you finished the exercise! Your score shows you have a solid understanding of deoxyribonucleotide and ribonucleotide structure. Click the button below to begin the Tutorial Comprehension Quiz.

Move DNA nucleotides here...

Move RNA nucleotides here...

Prerequisite skills needed:

By completing this simulation, you will:

Gene Expression - Animation