DNA is the universal inherited material that controls the expression of genes through protein synthesis. In other words, DNA is a unique genetic blueprint. This specific information in this genetic blueprint is contained in our genes.
These smaller, individual segments connect together to comprise a molecule of DNA. The smallest component of a gene is a nucleotide monomer. Nucleotide monomers, also called nucleotides, are named after its nitrogenous base. The structure of DNA is a complex mix of chemistry and biology.
A nucleotide is a chemical unit that has three main components. The first is a sugar with five carbon atoms, aptly named a five-carbon sugar or pentose sugar. The second is a phosphate atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, called a phosphate group. The third is one of four possible nitrogen-containing bases called A for adenine, C for cytosine, T for thymine, or G for guanine.
The four nitrogen-containing bases are sometimes represented as T, C, A, or G, and are always from of one of two chemical categories: Purines or pyrimidines. Purines form a double-ring, while pyrimidines are chemically a single ring. Guanine and adenine are classified as purines, whereas the pyrimidines are thymine and cytosine.
The chemical structure of DNA depends on the correct chemical interaction between purines and pyrimidines. This interaction allows certain bonding to occur that holds two strands of DNA together. The result is what is known as a double helix.
Double helix is the name given to a DNA molecule because of its twisted shape. A DNA molecule is chemically two strands of DNA held together by hydrogen bonding. One strand of DNA might look like a straight ladder cut down the middle, splitting it into a left and right side.
Each strand is a chemical complement of the other. The nucleotides that pair together represent the rungs of the ladder. So, when the halves of the ladder bond, a single ladder is formed.
For genes to properly function, the nucleotides must pair correctly. They do this by adhering to a strict set of base-pairing rules that were discovered by pioneers in the science of genetics, James Watson and Francis Crick. Base-pairing rules dictate that a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine. In other words, adenine always pairs with thymine and cytosine always pairs with guanine.
Nucleotide bonding between two DNA strands occurs due to weak, but important, hydrogen bonds. The chemical structure of DNA appears twisted due to this and other complex bonding between the various elements in the DNA molecule itself. The twisted ladder shape of DNA is what gives the molecule its unique name - the double helix. - 16492
These smaller, individual segments connect together to comprise a molecule of DNA. The smallest component of a gene is a nucleotide monomer. Nucleotide monomers, also called nucleotides, are named after its nitrogenous base. The structure of DNA is a complex mix of chemistry and biology.
A nucleotide is a chemical unit that has three main components. The first is a sugar with five carbon atoms, aptly named a five-carbon sugar or pentose sugar. The second is a phosphate atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, called a phosphate group. The third is one of four possible nitrogen-containing bases called A for adenine, C for cytosine, T for thymine, or G for guanine.
The four nitrogen-containing bases are sometimes represented as T, C, A, or G, and are always from of one of two chemical categories: Purines or pyrimidines. Purines form a double-ring, while pyrimidines are chemically a single ring. Guanine and adenine are classified as purines, whereas the pyrimidines are thymine and cytosine.
The chemical structure of DNA depends on the correct chemical interaction between purines and pyrimidines. This interaction allows certain bonding to occur that holds two strands of DNA together. The result is what is known as a double helix.
Double helix is the name given to a DNA molecule because of its twisted shape. A DNA molecule is chemically two strands of DNA held together by hydrogen bonding. One strand of DNA might look like a straight ladder cut down the middle, splitting it into a left and right side.
Each strand is a chemical complement of the other. The nucleotides that pair together represent the rungs of the ladder. So, when the halves of the ladder bond, a single ladder is formed.
For genes to properly function, the nucleotides must pair correctly. They do this by adhering to a strict set of base-pairing rules that were discovered by pioneers in the science of genetics, James Watson and Francis Crick. Base-pairing rules dictate that a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine. In other words, adenine always pairs with thymine and cytosine always pairs with guanine.
Nucleotide bonding between two DNA strands occurs due to weak, but important, hydrogen bonds. The chemical structure of DNA appears twisted due to this and other complex bonding between the various elements in the DNA molecule itself. The twisted ladder shape of DNA is what gives the molecule its unique name - the double helix. - 16492
About the Author:
RJ Sullivan manages several profitable home-based businesses and is a distinguished editor and writer. Ms. Sullivan also writes for In the Gno, a blog devoted to demystifying the science of genetics in an interesting and easy-to-understand manner. Visit In the Gno to learn more about genetics and DNA.
