Deoxyribose

Definition

Deoxyribose is a five-carbon sugar molecule that is a crucial component of DNA, serving as the sugar backbone in the structure of nucleotides. It differs from ribose, the sugar found in RNA, by lacking one oxygen atom at the 2' carbon position, which plays a key role in the stability and structure of DNA compared to RNA. The presence of deoxyribose contributes to the double-stranded nature of DNA and its ability to store genetic information securely.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deoxyribose has the chemical formula C5H10O4 and is structurally important for the formation of DNA's double helix.
2. The lack of an oxygen atom at the 2' position in deoxyribose makes DNA more chemically stable than RNA, which is essential for the long-term storage of genetic information.
3. In DNA, deoxyribose is connected to nitrogenous bases through glycosidic bonds, forming nucleotides that link together to create the DNA strand.
4. The transition from ribose to deoxyribose is crucial in differentiating DNA from RNA, impacting their respective functions in genetic coding and protein synthesis.
5. Mutations or alterations in deoxyribose metabolism can lead to significant biological implications, including genetic disorders.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of deoxyribose contribute to the stability of DNA compared to RNA?
  • The structure of deoxyribose contributes to DNA stability because it lacks an oxygen atom at the 2' carbon position, making it less reactive than ribose found in RNA. This absence prevents hydrolysis and degradation that could occur with RNA molecules, thus allowing DNA to maintain its integrity over long periods. This structural difference is vital for the long-term storage and preservation of genetic information within cells.
• What role do deoxyribose and its associated nucleotides play in the formation of the DNA double helix?
  • Deoxyribose serves as part of the backbone in each nucleotide unit of DNA, linking phosphate groups and nitrogenous bases together. This arrangement allows nucleotides to connect through phosphodiester bonds, creating long chains that twist into a double helix structure. The pairing of complementary bases between two strands further stabilizes this helical configuration and ensures accurate replication during cell division.
• Evaluate how changes in deoxyribose metabolism could affect cellular processes and genetic integrity.
  • Changes in deoxyribose metabolism can significantly impact cellular processes such as DNA replication and repair mechanisms. For example, if deoxyribose levels are disrupted, it could lead to insufficient nucleotide availability, impairing DNA synthesis and increasing susceptibility to mutations. This instability can compromise genetic integrity, potentially resulting in disorders such as cancer due to improper cell division or gene expression regulation. Therefore, maintaining proper levels of deoxyribose is crucial for cellular health and function.

Related terms

Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar (deoxyribose or ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): A molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands that form a double helix structure, with deoxyribose as part of its backbone.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): A single-stranded nucleic acid involved in various biological roles, including coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes, containing ribose instead of deoxyribose.