DNA and RNA

Nucleotides DNA and RNA are composed of several nucleotides. A nucleotide contains a sugar, a phospate and a nitrogenous base (A, U (rna), T, C, or G)

Backbone structure of RNA & DNA Both backbones of DNA & RNA are composed of repeated sequences of sugars (deoxyribose or ribose) and phosphates

DNA = DeoxyriboNucleic Acid RNA = RiboNucleic Acid

About DNA Double stranded (2 strands) Four bases (A, T, C, G: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine) A&T are always paired; G&C are always paired Double helix shaped Deoxyribose (sugar)

DNA Chemical substance in all living things Controls the functions of cells Located in the _________. DNA controls what cells will become (specialize), and what type of organism will be produced (human, bird, etc)

About RNA Single stranded (1 strand) Protein synthesis Four bases A, U, C, and G U = Uracil A & U are always paired; G&C are always paired Ribose (sugar)

Types of RNA mRNA (messenger RNA): brings instructions from DNA inside of the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Types of RNA rRNA (ribosomal RNA): uses instructions from the mRNA to assemble amino acids tRNA (Transfer RNA): transfers amino acids to the ribosomes so that they can make PROTEINS.

The flow of information goes from DNA to RNA, and finally to proteins. The Central Dogma DNA→RNA→Proteins The flow of information goes from DNA to RNA, and finally to proteins.

Transcription A double stranded DNA helix unzips and a single strand of mRNA is created. Refer to p. 290-291

Translation When the nitrogenous bases (A, U, C, and G) from mRNA are converted into amino acids that will later make proteins.