Deoxyribose

Definition

Deoxyribose is a five-carbon sugar that is a crucial component of DNA, where it serves as the backbone that links together nucleotides. This sugar differs from ribose, which is found in RNA, by lacking an oxygen atom at the 2' carbon position, hence the prefix 'deoxy.' The structure and properties of deoxyribose are fundamental to the stability and function of DNA, allowing it to store genetic information securely.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deoxyribose is specifically found in DNA and contributes to the structural integrity of the double helix.
2. The absence of an oxygen atom at the 2' position in deoxyribose makes DNA more chemically stable than RNA, which is essential for long-term genetic storage.
3. Deoxyribose is formed through the reduction of ribose, a process that involves the removal of an oxygen atom.
4. The sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA consists of alternating deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups, forming the structural framework of the molecule.
5. Each deoxyribose molecule in DNA is linked to a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine), which encodes genetic information.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of deoxyribose contribute to the stability and function of DNA?
  • The structure of deoxyribose includes a five-carbon backbone with one less oxygen atom than ribose, specifically at the 2' carbon position. This absence makes DNA more stable and less reactive than RNA, allowing it to serve as a reliable storage medium for genetic information. The stable sugar-phosphate backbone formed by deoxyribose and phosphate groups helps maintain the integrity of the double helix structure.
• Compare and contrast deoxyribose and ribose in terms of their chemical structure and biological roles.
  • Deoxyribose and ribose are both five-carbon sugars but differ by one oxygen atom; deoxyribose lacks an oxygen at the 2' position. This difference affects their roles: ribose is found in RNA, making RNA less stable due to its higher reactivity, while deoxyribose is integral to DNA's structure, providing greater stability for long-term genetic information storage. Additionally, ribose participates in various cellular processes beyond just being part of RNA.
• Evaluate the importance of deoxyribose in DNA's role as a genetic material in living organisms.
  • Deoxyribose plays a critical role in maintaining DNA's function as genetic material due to its structural properties. The absence of an oxygen atom enhances DNA's stability, allowing it to withstand various cellular processes without degradation. Furthermore, its incorporation into nucleotides links with nitrogenous bases to form sequences that encode genetic instructions. This unique arrangement ensures accurate replication and transmission of genetic information across generations, highlighting deoxyribose's essential contribution to life.

Related terms

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

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms, composed of two strands that form a double helix.

Ribose: A five-carbon sugar found in RNA, which has an additional oxygen atom at the 2' carbon position compared to deoxyribose.