Structure of DNA

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  • Created by: Laura
  • Created on: 15-04-14 11:05
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  • Structure of DNA
    • DNA is the chemical that determines inherited characteristics and it contains vast amount of info in the form of the genetic code.
    • Nucleotide structure
      • DNA is made up of three components; a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group and one of four organic bases; adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine.
      • These three things are joined together by a condensation reaction to give a single nucleotide.
    • DNA is made up of two strands of nucleotides. Each of the two strands is extremely long and they are joined together by hydrogen bonds formed between certain bases.
    • The organic bases contain nitrogen and are of two types. Those with a double ring (A+G) have longer molecules than those with a single ring (C+T). Each pair must be made of one of each type.
    • Adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
    • Function of DNA
      • DNA is hereditary and is responsible from passing genetic information from cell to cell and generation to generation.
      • DNA is very stable and can pass from generation to generation without change
      • The two strands are joined by hydrogen bonds which allow it to separate in DNA replication
      • Extremely large so carries a massive amount of genetic information

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