DNA Notes

What is DNA DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid DNA – The material inside the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information.

Discovering the Structure of DNA Structure was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick

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: Sugar Phosphate Group Nitrogenous Base

Nitrogenous Bases DNA contains four nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A) Guanine (G) Cytosine (C) Thymine (T)

Nucleotides Put Together = DNA DRAW THIS PART ON YOUR NOTES!

Structure of DNA Phosphate Group & Deoxyribose Sugar Nitrogenous Bases Form the backbone or sides of the ladder. Nitrogenous Bases Form the “rungs” of the ladder or middle of the molecule.

The Shape of DNA DNA looks like a “twisted ladder” called a Double Helix.

Pictures Of The Double Helix

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.

You Try It! What is the complimentary DNA strand if the original DNA strand is AGTCTA?

You Try It! What is the complimentary DNA strand if the original DNA strand is AGTCTA? TCAGAT