DNA & RNA

DNA Structure  Double stranded (long)  Nucleotides – deoxyribose, phosphate, Nitrogen base  Nitrogen bases  Adenine  Thymine  Cytosine  Guanine Function  Stores genetic information  Transfers genetic info.

RNA Structure  Single stranded (short)  Nucleotides – ribose, phosphate, Nitrogen base  Nitrogen bases  Adenine  URACIL  Cytosine  Guanine Function  Carries genetic information from nucleus to ribosome

3 types of RNA 1- mRNA = messenger RNA 2- rRNA = ribosomal RNA 3 – tRNA = transfer RNA

By controlling PROTEIN SYNTHESIS….. DNA controls cellular structure and function

THE GENETIC CODE The “code” refers to the message in the RNA (not DNA)

Genetic Language CODON  “triplet” code with 3 RNA bases  Acts as a word in the genetic language  Each codon codes for a specific amino acid

Ribosomes of any living creature can produce protein from any creature’s RNA……….. AMAZING HUH?

Reading the DNA code Codon Dictionary

Reading the DNA code Codon Dictionary

Find the following amino acids 1- TAC 2-TGG 3-AAA

Find the following amino acids 1- AAT 2-ACG 3-ACT

Special codons AUG  Start – tells us to start making a new protein here  If used after a stop codon  Methonine – met – amino acid UAA, UAG,UGA  Stop – tells the cell to stop making protein here