DNA Structure Activity

Problem 5: Is the deoxyribose ring flat or puckered?

Do all the atoms of the sugar ring lie in the same plane? (Note: You can measure this directly by clicking on 4 consecutive ring atoms with the dihedral angle tool at the far right of the tool bar. If the ring is planar, the measured angle will be close to either 0 or 180 degrees).

A.	yes
B.	no, the ring is puckered The 4 carbon atoms do not lie in the same plane. By contrast, the nitrogen-containing rings of the bases A, C, G, and T bases are flat.