DNA Basics and Structure Quiz

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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?

Mitochondria and chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

What two scientists discovered the structure of DNA?

James Watson and Francis Crick Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of DNA?

Double helix (twisted ladder) Signup and view all the answers

What are the sides of the DNA ladder made of?

Sugar and phosphate molecules Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'rungs' of the DNA ladder made of?

The four nitrogen bases: Adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Signup and view all the answers

What sugar is found in DNA?

Deoxyribose Signup and view all the answers

What sugar is found in RNA?

Ribose Signup and view all the answers

How do the bases bond together?

Adenine (A) bonds with Thymine (T) and Guanine (G) bonds with Cytosine (C) Signup and view all the answers

The two purines in DNA are...

Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) Signup and view all the answers

DNA is made of repeating units called...

Nucleotides or nucleotide bases Signup and view all the answers

Why is RNA necessary to act as a messenger?

RNA is necessary to act as a messenger because it is small enough to go through nuclear pores; the code cannot be taken directly from the DNA because the DNA is too big to fit through the nuclear pores. Signup and view all the answers

Proteins are made where in the cell?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

How do some cells become skin cells while others become brain cells if the DNA in all cells is exactly the same?

One cell becomes a brain cell and the other becomes a skin cell through a process called cell differentiation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is DNA called the 'Blueprint of Life'?

DNA is called the 'Blueprint of Life' because it is responsible for controlling every process in our body. Signup and view all the answers

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.