DNA Structure and Function

DNA is a polymer composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix. It carries genetic instructions and is composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a nitrogen-containing nucleobase, a sugar called deoxyribose, and a phosphate group.

The four nitrogen-containing nucleobases in DNA are cytosine (C), guanine (G), adenine (A), and thymine (T).

In DNA, base pairing occurs between adenine (A) and thymine (T), and between cytosine (C) and guanine (G). These pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, forming the double-stranded structure of DNA.

<p>The major types of macromolecules essential for life are proteins, lipids, complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), and nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are essential for the genetic instructions and information storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nucleotides in DNA are composed of a nitrogen-containing nucleobase, a sugar called deoxyribose, and a phosphate group. These nucleotides are joined together in a chain by covalent bonds (phosphodiester linkage) between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of the next, forming an alternating sugar-phosphate backbone.</p> Signup and view all the answers