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 OVERVIEW OF DNA 

What is DNA?

DNA is the Control Molecule of LIFE

 DNA is the Source of Unity for all LIFE 

  • Mutations and the recombination in the structure and number of DNA molecules is the source of life's variation

  • The evolution of DNA resulted due DNA's ability to change its structure and sequences of bases due to mutations and reproduction. This variation allows each offspring to be genetically unique to itself and explains the existence of different species on earth. 

  • DNA and RNA are the polymers of nucleic acid and nucleotides are the monomers that make up these complex and extraordinary molecules. However, RNA is a SINGLE strand of DNA.

  • DNA functions to control all cellular activities including reproduction​​

  • It is able to make exact copies of itself to pass onto other cells

  • Every offspring's DNA comes from their parents' genetic information during sexual reproduction

  • DNA carries genetic code or information that is enclosed in the sequence or the arrangement of its bases 

  • RNA also aids DNA as it functions to copy the information stored on ONE strand of DNA to create proteins in the cell which pass on information to other cells and organelles from the nucleus

Nitrogen bases & DNA Structure

  • NITROGEN BASES: â€‹

  • Purines: Adenine & Guanine (have a double ringed structure) 

  • Pyrimidines: Thymine, Cytosine, & uracil in RNA (have a single ringed structure)

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  • DNA STRUCTURE: 

  • DNA strand is made up of nucleotides linked together to form a double helix shape 

  • Each strand of DNA is made up of alternating molecules of deoxyribose and phosphate groups

  • Nitrogen bases bond together through hydrogen bonding and create the rungs of the DNA molecule

  • DNA has a strict double helix or ladder shape with equal numbers of purines to pyrimidines

  • The sequence of bases on the DNA molecule code hereditary information (information that can be passed onto offspring) 

  • DNA strands are VERY LONG and only small segments of DNA carry important code. Most of the DNA doesn't code for any important proteins or molecules. 

Genes & Chromosomes

Function of Genes

  • Genes are units of inheritance that control particular traits and capabilities of an 

    organism

  • Genes control cellular chemical reactions by formulating enzymes 

  • Genes always occur in pairs. Half of them come from your mother and the other half from your father.

  • Traits like height, hair color, skin color, etc. are determined by the combination of several genes in an offspring. 

Location of Genes

  • Genes are located on chromosomes in the nucleus and contain DNA molecules 

  • In the nucleus DNA is tightly wound into proteins called histones. These proteins then collect together to form chromatin which makes up chromosomes. 

  • Each chromosome contains genes that carry specific genetic information used in the cell to make proteins that can then carry out cellular activities. 

Overview of Topics

SURFACE AREA, VOLUME & CELL SIZE

Learn the steps in how DNA is replicated inside the cell and the importance this process has on our existence.

DNA REPLICATION

RNA TRANSCRIPTION

Learn how RNA is transcripted inside the nucleus and about the different types and functions of RNA molecules in each of our cells.

RNA TRANSLATION

Learn how RNA is translated in our cells and the how proteins are created during this process. 

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