Biology SL
Biology SL
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 SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Unlocking RNA The Marvel of Nucleotide Polymers!

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

Table of content

Introduction to RNA

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a polymer, which is a large molecule made up of smaller repeating units. In the case of RNA, the repeating units are nucleotides. These nucleotides, being the subunits of a polymer, are called monomers. Picture it like a necklace, where the string is the RNA and the beads are the nucleotides. Now, the RNA necklace can have unlimited beads, or nucleotides.

Condensation reaction

But how are these nucleotide 'beads' attached to the RNA 'string'? This is where we bring in the concept of a condensation reaction. A condensation reaction is like a molecular game of "merge and lose." When two molecules decide they want to join forces, they also lose a small part of themselves in the process - in this case, water (H2O).

 

In the scenario of RNA, the condensation reaction occurs between a hydroxyl group (OH) on the phosphate of one nucleotide and another hydroxyl group on the pentose sugar of the second nucleotide. It's like two hands with a finger each extended, ready for a firm shake. But, in shaking hands, they also need to drop the water bottle they were each partially holding (the H from one OH and the OH from another).

Formation of covalent bond

The fun part is that even though they lose water, they form a bond. The remaining oxygen from the hydroxyl group (the one that dropped its 'H') forms a new covalent bond with the second nucleotide. You can imagine it as if they tied a strong knot while shaking hands, ensuring they stay connected.

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Unlocking RNA The Marvel of Nucleotide Polymers!

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

Table of content

Introduction to RNA

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a polymer, which is a large molecule made up of smaller repeating units. In the case of RNA, the repeating units are nucleotides. These nucleotides, being the subunits of a polymer, are called monomers. Picture it like a necklace, where the string is the RNA and the beads are the nucleotides. Now, the RNA necklace can have unlimited beads, or nucleotides.

Condensation reaction

But how are these nucleotide 'beads' attached to the RNA 'string'? This is where we bring in the concept of a condensation reaction. A condensation reaction is like a molecular game of "merge and lose." When two molecules decide they want to join forces, they also lose a small part of themselves in the process - in this case, water (H2O).

 

In the scenario of RNA, the condensation reaction occurs between a hydroxyl group (OH) on the phosphate of one nucleotide and another hydroxyl group on the pentose sugar of the second nucleotide. It's like two hands with a finger each extended, ready for a firm shake. But, in shaking hands, they also need to drop the water bottle they were each partially holding (the H from one OH and the OH from another).

Formation of covalent bond

The fun part is that even though they lose water, they form a bond. The remaining oxygen from the hydroxyl group (the one that dropped its 'H') forms a new covalent bond with the second nucleotide. You can imagine it as if they tied a strong knot while shaking hands, ensuring they stay connected.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

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