DNA
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and
almost all other organisms.
Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA.
Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA),
but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where
it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).
Define a gene.
The basic unit of heredity or a heritable factor that controls a specific
characteristic.
Genes are made up of DNA. Each chromosome contains many genes.
DNA is made up of molecules called nucleotides.
Each nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a sugar group and a
nitrogen base.
The four types of nitrogen bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine
(G) and cytosine (C).
The order of these bases is what determines DNA's instructions, or
genetic code.
DNA is a double helix formed by base pairs attached to a sugar -
phosphate backbone.
Draw a molecule (two strands) of DNA
Functions of DNA are vital for inheritance,
a) coding for proteins and the genetic blueprint of life.
b) Given the enormity of DNA's functions in the human body and its
responsibility for the growth and maintenance of life (mitosis -DNA
Replication)
DNA Replication
DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during
cell division.
In eukaryotic cells, such as animal cells and plant cells, DNA replication
occurs in the S phase of interphase during the cell cycle.
DNA replication of one helix of DNA results in two identical helices. If the
original DNA helix is called the "parental" DNA, the two r esulting helices
can be called "daughter" helices.
DNA creates "daughters" by using the parental strands of DNA as a
template or guide.
Each newly synthesized strand of DNA (daughter strand) is made by the
addition of a nucleotide that is complementary to the parent strand of
DNA.
In this way, DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning that one
parent strand is always passed on to the daughter helix of DNA.
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is one of the most fundamental biological processes by
which individual cells build their specific proteins.
All cells function through their proteins. Protein function is defined by
their molecular function, localization within cell and involvement in a
biological process.
Within the process are involved both DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and
ribonucleic acids (RNA).
The process is initiated in the cell’s nucleus, where specific enzymes
unwind the needed section of DNA, which makes the DNA in this region
accessible and a RNA copy can be made. This process is known as
transcription
This RNA molecule then moves from the nucleus to the cell cytoplasm,
where the actual the process of protein synthesis take place on the
ribosomes through a process of translation.
Compare between DNA and RNA
Similarities
1. Both are nucleic acids. They are found in the nucleus, carry
genetic information, and are acidic.
2. They consist of a pentose (5 carbon) sugar, either ribose or
deoxyribose, covalently bonded to both a phosphate group and
one of 4 nitrogenous bases.
Differences
1. DNA contains deoxyribose as the pentose sugar, while RNA
contains ribose.
2. Both nucleic acids contain the bases A, C, and G, but DNA has T
where RNA has U. RNA doesn't contain T while DNA doesn't
contain U.
3. DNA is typically double-stranded while RNA is typically single-
stranded. There are several bacteria and viruses that go against
this trend, however.
Comparison of DNA and RNA Structure
