DNA Structure and Replication

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid Purines Pyrimidines Building block is a nucleotide

Types of Nucleic Acids

Sides: sugar-phosphate backbone Rungs: nitrogen bases A =T G =C Strands antiparallel

DNA Replication 1. DNA UNWINDS AND UNZIPS

2. Free floating nucleotides pair up with complementary strand

3. Complementary new nucleotides join up to form new complementary strand

RNA

DNA the code for life DNA contains the code to make protein. DNA is in the nucleus while protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes. DNA copies to form RNA (transcription) which then goes to the ribosome and tells the ribosome which amino acids to put together to make protein (translation)

Synthesis of Protein DNA never leaves the nucleus Process: 1. Transcription What’s the difference?

Synthesis of Protein cont’d 2. Translation End result: protein

Big Picture Replication DNA DNA Protein Synthesis mRNA protein

aa aa aa Primary protein structure aa aa aa aa