View
221
Download
1
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
What is DNA
• DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid
• DNA – The material inside the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information.
Function of DNA
• Stores genetic information that instructs the cell on what proteins to make and where to make them
• Responsible for determining all organism’s traits such as eye color, body structure, and cellular enzyme production (exact words from a previous TAKS test).
The Components of DNA• DNA is a long molecule made up
of repeating individual units called nucleotides.
– Nucleotides are made up of three parts:
1. Sugar
2. Phosphate Group
3. Nitrogenous Base
Nitrogenous Bases
• DNA contains four nitrogenous bases:1. Adenine (A)
2. Guanine (G)
3. Cytosine (C)
4. Thymine (T)
Structure of DNA
• Phosphate Group & Deoxyribose Sugar – Form the backbone or
sides of the ladder.
• Nitrogenous Bases – Form the “rungs” of the
ladder or middle of the molecule.
In DNA, Which Bases Pair?
• Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)– Spells “AT”
• Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C)– “G” and “C” look very
similar
• This is the principle of base pairing
Complimentary Bases
• A - T and G - C are complimentary base pairs.
• Bases are held together by hydrogen bonds.
Recommended