DNA, what exactly is DNA?
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, and it is a nucleic acid that contains all of the genetic instructions utilized in the development of all existing living organisms. It's a chemical that exists in the chromosomes inside the nucleus of nearly all cells. Nearly every cell in a persons' body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus, where it's known by the name of nuclear DNA, and a small amount of DNA can also be found existing in the mitochondria, where it's known by the name of mitochondrial DNA.
Structure of DNA-How is the DNA structured?
In essence the DNA molecule is made of two strands coiled around each other in the shape, known by the name of a double helix-which is a sort of spiral shown by the above diagram. The genetic instructions are in the form of a chemical code made up of four bases (A, T, C and G). These bases bond together in pairs, forming cross-links. A pairs with T and C pairs with G. This is due to a base pairing rule which allows only these two sets of pairings. This rule is known by the name of complementary base pairing. A stands for adenine, T stands for thymine, G stands for guanine and lastly C stands for cytosine. Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, and more than 99 percents of those bases are identical in all people! Prehistory
What is the DNA responsible for?
DNA is essentially a ''string of genes'' and each gene codes for a particular characteristic such as hair colour, eye colour etc. As I have stated earlier the DNA exists in the nucleus of the cell but the occupation it has, the responsibility is carried out in the cytoplasm of the cell. In other words, the complex process of protein synthesis is the responsibility of the DNA and it is executed in the cell cytoplasm. Protein synthesis is a remarkably complex process in which new proteins are created in living things according to codes or instructions given by the DNA. But since the DNA is restricted to the nucleus it needs someone else to deliver the message to the cytoplasm to tell it what proteins to make. This messenger is known by the name of messenger RNA (mRNA) the production of mRNA is called Transcription. The mRNA travels into the cytoplasm to the ribosomes where the proteins are then made. There's another type of RNA which you should learn about, it's called transfer RNA (tRNA). The tRNA puts the amino acids into the correct order to make a specific protein. This process is called translation. Also the DNA engages in a complex process known as DNA Replication. DNA Replication is a remarkably complex biological process in which an entire double stranded DNA is copied to produce a second identical DNA double helix. Prehistoric age
What is the relationship between DNA, Chromosomes and Genes?
The number of chromosomes pairs the human cells have is 23. The chromosomes serve the crucial purpose being a structure that holds the most prized item by far: the holy DNA! The DNA acts as a complete set of highly complicated instructions that instructs our bodies how to develop.
What Are Genes?
The highly complex structures known by the name of chromosomes contain the perfect recipe for making a living thing. They exist in almost every cell's nucleus and are made from strands of DNA. Parts of DNA known as genes are the ingredients. Each gene adds a specific protein to the recipe. Proteins build, regulate and maintain your body. For instance, they build bones, enable muscular movement, control the complex process of digestion, and maintain the pumping of your heart. In short, a gene is essentially a region of the chromosome that carries information about, and controls, a particular characteristic. Genes are made up of the four bases (chemicals) that hold the two strands of the DNA molecule together. Linked Genes
The order (or sequence) of the bases provides the genetic code (instructions) that controls cell activity. Each gene has a different sequence of bases. The DNA molecules in a cell form a complete set of instructions for how the organism should be constructed and how its individual cells should work.
Genes that control characteristics can have different versions. Where there are different versions, one version will be dominant, and one will be recessive. For example, an individual's ability to roll their tongue is due to a dominant characteristic.
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