DP Chemistry Questionbank

In 2010, scientists claimed that they had discovered a species of bacteria capable of incorporating arsenic in place of phosphorus into the bacterial DNA. This claim has since proved controversial. Suggest one technique or evidence that might help support the claim.

The sequence of nitrogenous bases in DNA determines hereditary characteristics.

Calculate the mole percentages of cytosine, guanine and thymine in a double helical DNA structure if it contains 17% adenine by mole.

Deduce the nucleotide sequence of a complementary strand of a fragment of DNA with the nucleotide sequence –GACGGATCA–.

Outline how its structure allows it to be negatively charged in the body.

The diverse functions of biological molecules depend on their structure and shape.

Draw the nitrogenous base that is paired with guanine in DNA, showing the hydrogen bonds between the bases. Use section 34 of the data booklet.

The stability of DNA is due to interactions of its hydrophilic and hydrophobic components.

Outline the interactions of the phosphate groups in DNA with water and with surrounding proteins (histones).

Describe how DNA determines the primary structure of a protein such as insulin.

DNA is a biopolymer made up of nucleotides. List two components of a nucleotide.

Outline one benefit of the use of these products.

Outline what is meant by genetically modified organisms.

Describe what is meant by the genetic code and how it relates to protein synthesis.

List two components of nucleotides.