Key Terms of DNA Structure

A segment of DNA that codes for a particular trait

Building blocks of nucleic acids made of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen base

Study of traits being passed down from parents to offspring

Twisted ladder shape of DNA

The strands run in opposite directions (like a highway)

The complete set of DNA in an organism

Genetics/ inheritance

Nucleotide part in the backbone; connects sugars

Characteristics or properties determined by genetic material

A weak bond between nitrogen bases

X-shaped structure found inside the nucleus; DNA packed tightly

A 5-carbon sugar in nucleotides of DNA; on the backbone

Part of a nucleotide in the middle of the helix; A, T, C, G

Both strands of DNA follow base paid rules to match up with each other