DNA Structure and Replication Biology Spring 2017
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid Genetic material that carries information about an organism from one generation to the next DNA is found in the chromatin in the nucleus.
DNA Structure A DNA molecules looks like a twisted ladder It is made up of units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of 3 components: Deoxyribose- a 5-carbon sugar. Phosphate group- makes up the “sides of the ladder. Nitrogen base- makes up the “rungs” of the ladder.
Nitrogen Bases DNA has 4 kinds of nitrogen bases: Adenine Thymine Guanine Cytosine
DNA Structure Side note: Adenine ONLY pairs with Thymine Guanine ONLY pairs with Cytosine How to remember it: A+T spells the word “AT” G and C is what’s left.
Chargaff’s Rule
DNA Replication During DNA replication, a DNA molecule “unzips” between it’s paired bases. New bases pair up with bases on an old strand. This forms two identical DNA strands.
DNA Replication Video