Nucleic Acids

STANDARD

Water

Organic

Nucleic Acid

Carbohydrate

Lipid

Protein

Nucleic Acids

Standard Level

Nucleotides Strand Formation Base Sequence DNA vs RNA RNA Structure DNA Structure Genetic Information

SL Content Statements

A1.2.1

DNA as the genetic material of all living organisms
Some viruses use RNA as their genetic material but viruses are not considered to be living.
A1.2.2

Components of a nucleotide
In diagrams of nucleotides use circles, pentagons and rectangles to represent relative positions of phosphates, pentose sugars and bases.
A1.2.3

Sugar–phosphate bonding and the sugar–phosphate “backbone” of DNA and RNA
Sugar–phosphate bonding makes a continuous chain of covalently bonded atoms in each strand of DNA or RNA nucleotides, which forms a strong “backbone” in the molecule.
A1.2.4

Bases in each nucleic acid that form the basis of a code
Students should know the names of the nitrogenous bases.
A1.2.5

RNA as a polymer formed by condensation of nucleotide monomers
Students should be able to draw and recognize diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides and RNA polymers.
A1.2.6

DNA as a double helix made of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides with two strands linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs
In diagrams of DNA structure, students should draw the two strands antiparallel, but are not required to draw the helical shape. Students should show adenine (A) paired with thymine (T), and guanine (G) paired with cytosine (C). Students are not required to memorize the relative lengths of the purine and pyrimidine bases, or the numbers of hydrogen bonds.
A1.2.7

Differences between DNA and RNA
Include the number of strands present, the types of nitrogenous bases and the type of pentose sugar. Students should be able to sketch the difference between ribose and deoxyribose. Students should be familiar with examples of nucleic acids.
A1.2.8

Role of complementary base pairing in allowing genetic information to be replicated and expressed
Students should understand that complementarity is based on hydrogen bonding.
A1.2.9

Diversity of possible DNA base sequences and the limitless capacity of DNA for storing information
Explain that diversity by any length of DNA molecule and any base sequence is possible. Emphasize the enormous capacity of DNA for storing data with great economy.
A1.2.10

Conservation of the genetic code across all life forms as evidence of universal common ancestry
Students are not required to memorize any specific examples.

Nucleotides Strand Formation Base Sequence DNA vs RNA RNA Structure DNA Structure Genetic Information

Nucleic Acids

Standard Level

SL Content Statements

A1.2.1

DNA as the genetic material of all living organisms

Some viruses use RNA as their genetic material but viruses are not considered to be living.

A1.2.2

Components of a nucleotide

In diagrams of nucleotides use circles, pentagons and rectangles to represent relative positions of phosphates, pentose sugars and bases.

A1.2.3

Sugar–phosphate bonding and the sugar–phosphate “backbone” of DNA and RNA

Sugar–phosphate bonding makes a continuous chain of covalently bonded atoms in each strand of DNA or RNA nucleotides, which forms a strong “backbone” in the molecule.

A1.2.4

Bases in each nucleic acid that form the basis of a code

Students should know the names of the nitrogenous bases.

A1.2.5

RNA as a polymer formed by condensation of nucleotide monomers

Students should be able to draw and recognize diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides and RNA polymers.

A1.2.6

DNA as a double helix made of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides with two strands linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs

A1.2.7

Differences between DNA and RNA

Include the number of strands present, the types of nitrogenous bases and the type of pentose sugar. Students should be able to sketch the difference between ribose and deoxyribose. Students should be familiar with examples of nucleic acids.

A1.2.8

Role of complementary base pairing in allowing genetic information to be replicated and expressed

Students should understand that complementarity is based on hydrogen bonding.

A1.2.9

Diversity of possible DNA base sequences and the limitless capacity of DNA for storing information

Explain that diversity by any length of DNA molecule and any base sequence is possible. Emphasize the enormous capacity of DNA for storing data with great economy.

A1.2.10

Conservation of the genetic code across all life forms as evidence of universal common ancestry

Students are not required to memorize any specific examples.