Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlock the Secrets of Nucleotides!

Word Count Emoji
391 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Nucleotides - the building blocks of life 🧬

Nucleotides are like LEGO pieces for life. Imagine you're building a gigantic castle, and you've got different shapes and sizes of blocks to play with. Here's what each nucleotide piece consists of:

  • Pentose Sugar

    • What is it?: A sugar with five carbon atoms, hence the name "pentose."
    • Fun Fact: Think of it as the sweet backbone of your DNA, kind of like the main wall in your LEGO castle.
  • Phosphate Group

    • What is it?: The acidic and negatively charged part of nucleic acids.
    • Real-World Example: It's like the "sour candy" of the nucleotide, always ready to react with something else. Picture squeezing a lemon on your favorite dish – it sparks up a reaction!
  • Nitrogenous Base

    • What is it?: A base that contains nitrogen and has one or two rings of atoms.
    • Real-World Example: Imagine this as the unique flags or banners on your LEGO castle towers, giving identity to each nucleotide.

How they stick togethe - (covalent bonds) 🎨

These three parts are glued together by what's known as covalent bonds.

  • What's a Covalent Bond?: Picture it like holding hands with your best friend; both atoms share electrons, sticking together through thick and thin.
  • Base Connection: The base is linked to Carbon 1 (C1).
  • Phosphate Connection: The phosphate is linked to Carbon 5 (C5).

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlock the Secrets of Nucleotides!

Word Count Emoji
391 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Nucleotides - the building blocks of life 🧬

Nucleotides are like LEGO pieces for life. Imagine you're building a gigantic castle, and you've got different shapes and sizes of blocks to play with. Here's what each nucleotide piece consists of:

  • Pentose Sugar

    • What is it?: A sugar with five carbon atoms, hence the name "pentose."
    • Fun Fact: Think of it as the sweet backbone of your DNA, kind of like the main wall in your LEGO castle.
  • Phosphate Group

    • What is it?: The acidic and negatively charged part of nucleic acids.
    • Real-World Example: It's like the "sour candy" of the nucleotide, always ready to react with something else. Picture squeezing a lemon on your favorite dish – it sparks up a reaction!
  • Nitrogenous Base

    • What is it?: A base that contains nitrogen and has one or two rings of atoms.
    • Real-World Example: Imagine this as the unique flags or banners on your LEGO castle towers, giving identity to each nucleotide.

How they stick togethe - (covalent bonds) 🎨

These three parts are glued together by what's known as covalent bonds.

  • What's a Covalent Bond?: Picture it like holding hands with your best friend; both atoms share electrons, sticking together through thick and thin.
  • Base Connection: The base is linked to Carbon 1 (C1).
  • Phosphate Connection: The phosphate is linked to Carbon 5 (C5).

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟