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DNA Fact Sheet

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29 views

DNA Fact Sheet

Uploaded by

pilar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fact sheet on DNA

DNA Structure and Its Role in Genetics

1. What is DNA?
• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the molecule that stores the
genetic instructions essential for life. DNA carries the blueprint for
building and maintaining an organism, directing all biological
functions, growth, and reproduction of cells.

2. Double Helix Structure


• DNA is structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.
This structure consists of two strands that coil around each other,
forming a stable shape. The “sides” of the ladder are made up of
alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups, creating the
backbone of the DNA.

3. Base Pairs
• The “rungs” of the DNA ladder are made of base pairs. DNA has
four nitrogenous bases:
• Adenine (A)
• Thymine (T)
• Cytosine (C)
• Guanine (G)
• These bases pair specifically:
• Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T)
• Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C-G)
• The bases are connected by hydrogen bonds, which, while
individually weak, collectively stabilize the DNA structure.
4. The Role of Base Pairing
• Base pairing is essential for DNA replication. When a cell divides,
each strand of DNA acts as a template for creating a new
complementary strand. This ensures the genetic information is
accurately copied and passed down to new cells.

5. DNA and Genetic Information


• DNA encodes genetic information through the sequence of its
bases. A specific sequence of base pairs forms genes, which hold
instructions for making proteins. These proteins perform vital
functions in the body, from building cellular structures to regulating
chemical reactions.

6. How DNA Encodes Information


• DNA’s “language” is based on the order of its base pairs. Different
sequences of these bases correspond to different genes, making each
organism’s DNA unique. This “genetic code” determines the
sequence of amino acids in proteins, which then fold into specific
shapes to carry out functions.

7. DNA’s Role in Heredity and Variation


• DNA is crucial for heredity, allowing genetic information to be
passed from parents to offspring. Variations in DNA, such as
mutations, contribute to genetic diversity, which drives evolution.
This diversity enables species to adapt to their environments over
time.

Summary

• Structure: DNA is a double helix, with a sugar-phosphate


backbone and nitrogenous base pairs.
• Base Pairs: Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with
Guanine.
• Role in Genetic Information: DNA sequences (genes) determine
the instructions for protein synthesis, guiding all cellular functions
and traits.
• Function in Heredity: DNA enables the transmission of genetic
information across generations and contributes to genetic variation.

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