DNA by C. Stephen Murray

All life stores its genetic code in a molecule called DNA.

Phosphate and deoxyribose make up the side. P P P O O O G C

now it’s a nucleotide. P P P O O O G C Add a nitrogen base –

Many make a double helix, if you add another side. Sugar phosphate backbone (side) Nitrogen base pairs Nitrogen base

Here in the nucleus the DNA must remain

Before it takes a ride it must transcribe to the messenger RNA.

All life moves its genetic code to the ribosomes as mRNA. Ribosomes are the little dots.

All life moves its genetic code to the ribosomes as mRNA. nucleus ribosomes mRNA DNA

Phosphate and just ribose make up the side. P P P O O O

makes it a nucleotide. P P P O O O G C Of course a nitrogen base –

But mRNA is not a ladder, for it has only 1 side.

The mRNA goes to the ribosome where the proteins must be formed. nucleus ribosomes mRNA DNA

But before they can be made it must translate to the transfer RNA. Translation

Proteins are formed in the ribosomes with the help of the tRNA.

Proteins are formed in the ribosomes when amino acids carried by each tRNA combine!

So where is this genetic code that distinguishes you from me?

It’s in the sequence of the nitrogen bases that together form our genes. ATTCGATCGGACT Nitrogen base sequence Genes form chromosomes

When it makes a mistake when it replicates this is when DNA can mutate. Original – ATTCGATCGGACT Mutation - ATTGATCGGACT “C” was deleted Original – ATTCGATCGGACT Mutation - ATTCGATACGGACT “A” was inserted

But if it doesn’t pass to the offspring it doesn’t really matter at all. DNA Mutation to ribosomes No problem Mutation to egg or sperm Passes to offspring

When it replicates each nitrogen base always has to pair in a certain way. Original 1 DNA Replicas 2 DNAs

For Adenine pairs with Thymine And Cytosine pairs with Guanine CAGTA GTCAT

Unless its RNA CAG U AGTCAT then Uracil replaces Thymine. DNA mRNA

All life stores its genetic code in a molecule called DNA.