Structure of DNA

DNA LOCATION

●DNA never ever leaves

the nucleus (in eukaryotic
cells)

●DNA is the master copy

of the directions a cell
needs to live so it needs
to be protected

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FUNCTIONS OF DNA

DNA is the master code for life. It is a large molecule that
functions to store and transmit genetic information to direct
life. Included in this information is the ability to:

➔ direct its own synthesis or replication including differentiation (used in mitosis/meiosis)

➔ code for protein synthesis to create other molecules needed by the cell.

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DNA STRUCTURE

● Ladders have two parts:
1) The sides of the ladder (or backbone)
2) The rungs (or steps of the ladder)

●The double-stranded structure of DNA

makes a double helix, or twisted ladder.

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● In DNA, the sides of the ladder are
made from the sugar and phosphate
groups of different nucleotides attached
together. (See the dark and light green parts of the picture.)

STRUCTURE OF DNA

➔Nucleotides connect together to form
the "ladder rungs"
These are called BASE PAIRS

➔Two nitrogen bases form hydrogen bonds to hold the two side of the ladder together.
(See the dotted lines in the picture.)

➔This bond is very weak and can be broken we needed, but will easily for back (think of magnets)

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GENES

●Gene = segment of DNA that codes for a protein,

which in turn codes for a
trait (hair color, eye
color..etc),
A gene is a small part of DNA.

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