Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the function of DNA in living organisms?
What is the function of DNA in living organisms?
It determines the characteristics of all living things.
What are the three components of a nucleotide in DNA?
What are the three components of a nucleotide in DNA?
Phosphate group, Deoxyribose sugar, and Nitrogen-rich base.
What is the shape of the DNA molecule?
What is the shape of the DNA molecule?
A double helix or twisted ladder.
What is the Complementary Base Pair Rule in DNA?
What is the Complementary Base Pair Rule in DNA?
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Where can DNA be found in a cell?
Where can DNA be found in a cell?
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What is the relationship between genes and DNA?
What is the relationship between genes and DNA?
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Who are credited with the discovery of DNA?
Who are credited with the discovery of DNA?
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What is the function of chromosomes?
What is the function of chromosomes?
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Study Notes
DNA: The Molecule
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is an amazing molecule found in all living things, determining the characteristics of all living things.
- The building blocks of DNA are called nucleotides, consisting of a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogen-rich base.
Structure of DNA
- The shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.
- The uprights of the ladder are alternating groups of sugar and phosphates.
- The rungs are pairs of nitrogen-rich bases.
Nitrogen-Rich Bases
- There are four types of nitrogen-rich bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C).
- The nitrogen-rich bases pair up in a specific way: Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T), and Guanine pairs with Cytosine (G-C), following the Complimentary Base Pair Rule.
Location of DNA
- DNA is found in the nucleus of cells.
- DNA can also be found in the mitochondria, although the structure of mitochondrial DNA is different from nucleic DNA.
Chromosomes and Genes
- Chromosomes are threadlike structures made up of the DNA molecule and protein molecules.
- Genes are located on chromosomes and are sections of DNA containing information for a protein.
- Chromosomes are made up of DNA, and genes differ from each other in the order and number of nucleotides.
Discovery of DNA
- James Watson and Francis Crick are credited with the discovery of DNA in 1953.
- However, other scientists contributed to the discovery: Levene discovered the components of DNA, Avery proved that DNA holds the genetic code, Chargaff determined the Complimentary Base Pair Rule, and Franklin discovered the double helix shape.
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Description
Learn about the amazing molecule of DNA, its building blocks called nucleotides, and its double helix structure. Understand how it determines the characteristics of all living things.
