Questions and Answers
Write out the full name for DNA.
Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
What is a gene?
A segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein.
Where in the cell are chromosomes located?
Inside the nucleus
DNA can be found in what two organelles?
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What two scientists discovered the structure of DNA?
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What is the shape of DNA?
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What are the sides of the DNA ladder made of?
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What are the 'rungs' of the DNA ladder made of?
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What sugar is found in DNA?
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What sugar is found in RNA?
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How do the bases bond together?
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The two purines in DNA are...
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DNA is made of repeating units called...
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Why is RNA necessary to act as a messenger?
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Proteins are made where in the cell?
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How do some cells become skin cells while others become brain cells if the DNA in all cells is exactly the same?
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Why is DNA called the 'Blueprint of Life'?
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Study Notes
DNA Basics
- Full name for DNA: Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
- DNA consists of segments called genes, which code for specific proteins
Cell Structure
- Chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell
- DNA is present in mitochondria and chloroplasts, organelles responsible for energy production and photosynthesis, respectively
Discovery of DNA Structure
- The double-helix structure of DNA was elucidated by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick
- DNA's structure resembles a twisted ladder, characterized as a double helix
DNA Composition
- Sides of the DNA ladder are composed of sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate molecules
- The rungs of the DNA ladder consist of four nitrogen bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C)
- The two purines present in DNA are Adenine (A) and Guanine (G)
- DNA is made of repeating units called nucleotides or nucleotide bases
Base Pairing
- Base pairing rules: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C)
RNA Functionality
- RNA is crucial for acting as a messenger because it is small enough to traverse nuclear pores, while DNA is too large to pass through
- Ribose is the sugar component found in RNA, differentiating it from the deoxyribose in DNA
Protein Synthesis
- Proteins are synthesized in ribosomes, the cellular machinery for translation of mRNA to proteins
Cell Differentiation
- Cell differentiation explains how cells with identical DNA can become specialized, such as skin cells versus brain cells
Significance of DNA
- DNA is referred to as the "Blueprint of Life" as it governs all biological processes and specifies the characteristics of living organisms
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of DNA, including its structure, composition, and discovery. This quiz covers key concepts such as the double helix, nucleotides, and base pairing rules. Perfect for biology students looking to enhance their understanding of genetic material.