DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a crucial molecule that provides the instructions for an organism's development, life, and reproduction. DNA sequences form genes, which encode pr... DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a crucial molecule that provides the instructions for an organism's development, life, and reproduction. DNA sequences form genes, which encode proteins in the cell's language. However, DNA is not the direct template for protein production. Instead, cells copy the gene using ribonucleic acid (RNA), called messenger RNA, which instructs the protein-making machinery. DNA molecules are long and cannot fit into cells without proper packaging, forming chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. DNA molecules consist of two double helix strands with alternating sugar and phosphate groups, attached to four bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
Understand the Problem
The passage provides information about DNA, its role in living organisms, its structure, and its relationship with RNA and proteins. It explains how DNA sequences form genes, the process of protein synthesis, and the packaging of DNA into chromosomes in humans.
Answer
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic instructions in cells, forming genes that, through RNA, encode proteins. It's structured as a double helix and forms chromosomes.
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, provides the genetic instructions for an organism's development, life, and reproduction. It forms genes, which encode proteins not directly but through messenger RNA. DNA is packaged into chromosomes and consists of a double helix structure with specific base pairings.
Answer for screen readers
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, provides the genetic instructions for an organism's development, life, and reproduction. It forms genes, which encode proteins not directly but through messenger RNA. DNA is packaged into chromosomes and consists of a double helix structure with specific base pairings.
More Information
DNA encodes the 'instruction manual' for cell functions and life processes. It must first be transcribed into RNA, specifically messenger RNA, to be converted into proteins, which are crucial for cellular and biological function.
Tips
Confusing DNA with RNA's role in protein production is common. Remember that DNA is stored information, while RNA is involved in expressing that information.
Sources
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Fact Sheet - genome.gov
- How do genes direct the production of proteins? - MedlinePlus - medlineplus.gov
- From DNA to RNA - Molecular Biology of the Cell - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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