The Structure of the DNA Molecule “The finger print that is inside your body!”

DNA’s Functions: Stores genetic information to build and maintain a living organism Copies itself

James Watson & Francis Crick 1953 Determined the three- dimensional structure of DNA One of the greatest discoveries in the history of science Nobel prize in 1962

Every living thing has DNA. That means that you have something in common with a zebra, a tree, a mushroom and a beetle!!!!

DNA Molecule Within cells, DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes. These chromosomes are duplicated before cells divide, in a process called DNA replication.

Genes Each chromosome contains 100s to 1000s of information blocks called genes Each gene is the blueprint for a specific protein in the body - may tell our body what color our eyes are supposed to be, dozens of proteins are responsible for synthesis of ATP, digesting food, etc, etc etc

DNA stands for: D: Deoxyribose N: Nucleic A: Acid DNA is too small to see, but under a microscope it looks like a twisted up ladder!

Deciphering DNA's structure. DNA is made up of subunits which scientists called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a sugar, a phosphate and a base.

DNA is made up of steps and rails of a ladder. This is a rail This is a step

DNA Bases Each nucleotide is made up of a sugar, a phosphate and a base. There are 4 different bases in a DNA molecule: Adenine can only go with Thymine Guanine can only go with Cytosine

Deciphering DNA's structure. 4. The number of purine bases equals the number of pyrimidine bases 5. The number of adenine bases equals the number of thymine bases 6. The number of guanine bases equals the number of cytosine bases 7. The basic structure of the DNA molecule is helical, with the bases being stacked on top of each other

DNA is like a fingerprint because everyone’s is a little different! You can tell people apart by their fingerprints……… and their DNA! How would the police look at DNA to figure out who committed a crime?