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Structure and function of DNA & Protein Synthesis

The document provides an overview of DNA, its structure, function, and replication processes. It details the discovery of DNA's double-helix structure, the composition of nucleotides, and the basic functions of DNA including information storage and inheritance. Additionally, it explains the steps of DNA replication and the significance of accurate replication in cell division.

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riko rawis
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4 views

Structure and function of DNA & Protein Synthesis

The document provides an overview of DNA, its structure, function, and replication processes. It details the discovery of DNA's double-helix structure, the composition of nucleotides, and the basic functions of DNA including information storage and inheritance. Additionally, it explains the steps of DNA replication and the significance of accurate replication in cell division.

Uploaded by

riko rawis
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Life in four letters

Structure, function, replication of DNA


Introduction to DNA
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is an essential
molecule found in the nucleus of living
organisms' cells. It can be compared to a
book of genetic instructions that determines
how an organism develops and functions.
Discovery of DNA

Early mentions Key discovery Significance

During the mid-1980s and


early 1990s, scientists
In 1953, scientists The discovery of DNA's
explored trait inheritance
discovered the double-helix structure revolutionized
in organisms through
structure of DNA, using data biology and genetics,
experiments with peas
from other scientists. This allowing for a better
and flies. However they
revealed how DNA stores understanding of
were not able to get to
genetic information. inheritance and evolution.
complete undestandingof
control mechanisms.
Chemically, DNA is a polynucleotide,
meaning it is made up of many linked
nucleotides. A polymer is a substance
formed by repeating simple units.
Composition

Double helix structure:

DNA looks like a twisted ladder with two strands made of four nitrogenous bases:
Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T)

Base pairing:

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.


P

SUGAR

Nucleotides
Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA, consisting of a
phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous
base (A, C, G, or T) that carries genetic information
Basic functions of DNA

Information storage Replication

carries genetic information that DNA can replicate itself exactly,


determines an organism's traits and which is crucial for cell division
functions and growth

Transcription and translation Inheritance

DNA is transcribed into RNA and DNA is passed (inherited) from


translated into proteins, which regulate generation to generation, carrying traits
cell activities from parents to offspring
Replication
DNA replication process
DNA replication is the process of copying DNA before cell division. The two
strands separate, and new complementary strands form from available nucleotides.
This ensures cell reproduction and inheritance.
Steps of DNA replication

Strand separation:
The two DNA strands unwind and separate, breaking the hydrogen
bonds between complementary bases

Complementation:
Free nucleotides pair with the exposed bases on each strand

Formation of new strands:


Two new DNA strands are formed, one for each original strand, using
the paired nucleotides as building blocks.

Two DNA molecules:


The result is the formation of two DNA molecules, identical to the
original, ready for cell division.
Steps of DNA replication
Steps of DNA replication
Steps of DNA replication
DNA replication

The leading strand


On this strand, a special enzyme called DNA polymerase
adds new pieces (called nucleotides) one by one in the
same direction that the DNA is being unwound. This
happens smoothly because the strand is being built in the
same direction as the unwinding DNA

The lagging strand


Unlike the leading strand, the lagging strand is copied in
small, separate pieces. Here's how it works:
1. First, an RNA primer is added to start the process.
2. Then, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to form a
small fragment of DNA.
3. After that, DNA polymerase replaces the RNA primer
with DNA nucleotides.
4. Finally, an enzyme called DNA ligase connects these
small fragments together to form one continuous
strand.
Importance in cell division

DNA replication is vital during cell division (mitosis and meiosis)


to ensure each daughter cell gets an exact copy of the genetic
information. Without accurate replication, genetic errors and cell
malfunctions could happen
DNA, genes, and chromosomes:
DNA forms genes, and many genes are grouped into chromosomes.
Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of every cell and contain the
organism's complete genetic information.
Same, but different

Chromosome

Chromosomes are structures formed by DNA and


proteins that house multiple genes in the cell nucleus.

Genes

Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions


for protein synthesis and determine hereditary traits.
Protein Synthesis
#1 : DNA Transcription

DNA is often called as “blueprint”


The sequence of nucleotides communicates how to
construct protein for cell processes
Transcription is the process of copying individual blueprints
Each sequence of three bases:
- in DNA is called a tripled code
- in m-RNA is called a codon
- in t-RNA is called an anticodon.
#2 : Amino Acid Activation
#3 : Translation
#3 : Translation
#3 : Translation
#3 : Translation
m-RNA Genetic Dictionary
Gene Mutation

Base addition: one or more bases are added to a sequence

Base deletion: one or more bases are lost from a sequence

Base substitution: one or more bases are substituted

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