DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Function of the DNA
To instruct the cell to make specific protiens
Replicates itself to make identical copies which are then passed on when cells divide
It is found packaged in tightly coiled structures called chromosomes.
Stored in the nucleus of a cell
Structure of the DNA
It is known as the a double HELIX structure due to its spiral nature
The unique shape of the the DNA is the reason why it is able to perform such functions
The spiral contains four molecular bases
Thymine
Cytosine
Adnenine
Guanine
The sequence of these bases vary from species to species.
A
T
C
G
These bases pair up in a very specific manner in order to ensure that this unique sequence is passed on when cell division takes place
A always pairs up with T.
C always pairs up with G
When the strands split apart, the open helix contains all the information to make new strands.
Contains the blueprints to construct proteins in our cells, which are unique to each of us