DNA and RNA Structure and Function

DNA Function Stores information needed to make RNA and proteins

Nucleotides Monomers of nucleic acids 3 pieces- Phosphate group, ribose sugar and nitrogen base Identity of the nucleotide is determined by the nitrogen base

Polymer Structure Nucleotides are linked together by phosphate groups

Polymer Structure Base Pairs: Adenine --- Thymine Cytosine --- Guanine Chargaff’s Law- The amount of adenine in DNA equals the amount of thymine and the amount cytosine equals the amount of guanine.

DNA’s Structure DNA is a double helix DNA has 2 strands of nucleotides Named for its sugar Deoxyribose

Where in the cell is DNA?

Nucleotide- Nucleic acid monomer Gene- A section of DNA that has a specific function Chromosome- An organized structure of DNA that contains many genes Genome- All of an organisms DNA

RNA Function Carries information in the DNA to other parts of the cell Can also function as an enzyme Example- Ribosomes

RNA Structure Uses uracil in place of thymine Single stranded instead of double Uses the sugar Ribose instead of Deoxyribose

Where in the cell is RNA? Made in the nucleus Moves into the cytoplasm and is used as a template for protein synthesis