DNA By Lizzy Adamson

What exactly is DNA? Scientifically defined, DNA is a nucleic acid that contains genetic information in a cell. It is able to self-replicate and synthesis of RNA. DNA is made up of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and connected by hydrogen links between the complementary bases adenine and thymine/cytosine and guanine. The sequence of nucleotides determines singular hereditary characteristics.

What does DNA look like? DNA somewhat looks like a twisted staircase, a shape continuously spiraling. But there’s much more to it than you may realize. In each rung of this puny staircase, “codes” exist. These codes are genetic files for the body that tells us what genes humans have, like the colour of their eyes, hair, shape of nose, ect.

What is a Genetic Code? What is a genetic code and what precisely does it have to do with DNA? The genetic code of a DNA strand is how information is stored and converted throughout DNA. It travels throughout the “rungs” of the DNA. There are four letters to define the codes: G, A, T + C

..Continued Guanine, Adenine, Thymine, and Cytosine These are the scientific terms where G, A, T and C originate. They are the genetic codes and they are made up in each string of DNA.

Sugar Phosphate Backbone The Sugar Phosphate Backbone, or the banister of the twisted ladder, is how the DNA maintains organization. If the DNA had no spine, the strands would have no support and would collapse.

Why do we have DNA? DNA is in every cell of the body. It tells it what it needs to produce and waste. It controls the function and structure of the body. DNA is what makes people who they are, their eyes, hair, faces, etc… DNA also controls protein output and production.