Chapter 21, Problem 33P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

5-Bromouracil causes mutations in DNA.  Reason for this should be determined.

Concept introduction:

A parent DNA molecule consists of two poly nucleotide chains held together by bonds between complementary nitrogen bases.

A base is nitrogen containing heterocyclic compound which is found in DNA and RNA.

There are mainly five nitrogen bases.

1. (1) Adenine
2. (2) Guanine
3. (3) Cytosine
4. (4) Thymine
5. (5) Uracil

In DNA Adenine always makes a double bond with Thymine ($A=T$) and cytosine always makes triple bond with guanine $\left(G\equiv C\right)$

Enol is a tautomer which exhibiting a special type of functional isomerism namely tautomerism.

Tautomerism is a special type of functional isomerism in which isomers are in dynamic equilibrium with each other.

Mutation is the process that results in change in the sequence of the DNA, and the compound which causes mutation is known as mutagenic compound.