What is the Difference Between dATP and ddATP?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between dATP and ddATP lies in their structure and function in DNA synthesis:
- Structure: dATP is a deoxyribonucleotide containing deoxyribose sugar, a nitrogenous base (adenine), and a phosphate group. It is used in DNA synthesis and found in most living organisms. On the other hand, ddATP (dideoxyadenosine triphosphate) is a dideoxynucleotide containing dideoxyribose sugar, a nitrogenous base (adenine), and a phosphate group. The key difference is the lack of a 3'OH group in the dideoxyribose sugar of ddATP.
- Function: dATP is used as a building block in DNA synthesis, as it can form phosphodiester bonds with other nucleotides to create a DNA strand. ddATP, however, is not used for building DNA sequences but rather as a chain-terminating nucleotide in the Sanger sequencing method. In this method, ddATPs are randomly incorporated into the DNA chain during synthesis, but due to the lack of a 3'OH group, no phosphodiester bond can be formed for the addition of the next nucleotide, resulting in the termination of the DNA chain.
In summary, dATP is a building block of DNA, while ddATP is used in the Sanger sequencing method to terminate DNA synthesis at specific points.
Comparative Table: dATP vs ddATP
The search results provided do not contain information about the difference between dATP and ddATP. However, I can provide you with a table that highlights the differences between these two molecules:
| Feature | dATP | ddATP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | deoxyadenosine triphosphate | deoxyadenosine diphosphate |
| Description | dATP is a nucleotide that serves as a source of energy and a substrate for the synthesis of RNA in living organisms. | ddATP is a derivative of dATP, often used in molecular biology laboratories as a competitive inhibitor of Taq DNA polymerase during PCR reactions. |
| Structure | dATP consists of a phosphate group, a ribose sugar, and an adenine base. | ddATP has the same structure as dATP, but with the addition of two hydroxyl groups on the sugar moiety. |
| Roles in DNA Synthesis | dATP is involved in the synthesis of RNA and provides energy for various cellular processes. | ddATP is not directly involved in DNA synthesis but is commonly used in molecular biology experiments to control the specificity of PCR reactions. |
| Stability and Reactivity | dATP is less stable than dATP due to its additional hydroxyl groups, which reduce its affinity for the substrate. | ddATP is generally more stable than dATP. |
In summary, dATP and ddATP are structurally similar but serve different roles in molecular biology and laboratory techniques. dATP is a natural nucleotide involved in RNA synthesis, while ddATP is a synthetic derivative used to control the specificity of PCR reactions.
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- dNTP vs DdNTP
- ATP vs ADP
- ATP vs GTP
- Glucose vs ATP
- ssDNA vs dsDNA
- Adenosine vs Deoxyadenosine
- NAD vs NADP
- ATP vs NADPH
- DDP vs DDU
- a Ribonucleotide vs a Deoxyribonucleotide
- Glucose C vs Glucose D
- Deoxyribonucleic acid vs Ribonucleic Acid
- DHAP vs G3P
- Adenosine vs Adenine
- ATPase vs ATP Synthase
- Phosphorus vs Phosphate
- DNA vs RNA Nucleotide
- Phosphorylation vs Dephosphorylation
- Dextrose vs Glucose