1. DNA: The Molecule of Heredity

2. DNA Structure Deoxyribonucleic acid.
A macromolecule composed of two strands of monomers called nucleotides.
These strands are joined in the middle by hydrogen bonds.
The strands twist around one another forming a double helix.

3. Nucleotide Structure 5-C sugar – deoxyribose Phosphate group
Nitrogen containing base -4 of two types
Adenine
Guanine
Cytosine
Thymine

4. Types of Nitrogen Bases
Purines – have two rings in their structure
Adenine
Guanine
Pyrimidines – have one ring in their structure
Thymine
Cytosine

5. Nitrogen Base Pairing Bases pair in a specific pattern.
A purine always bonds to a pyrimidine
Adenine bonds to thymine.
Guanine bonds to cytosine.

6. Nitrogen Base Pairing
The bases are held together by weak hydrogen bonds. 
The sides of the DNA ladder are composed of alternating sugar and phosphate and are called “backbones”.

7. Discovery of DNA Structure
This structure was discovered by the work of James Watson and Francis Crick.
These two scientists viewed x-ray images of DNA crystals that were created by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.

8. Functions of DNA DNA is the molecule of heredity.
- It provides instructions for cell functions and is a blueprint for the production of proteins that do the work of the cell.
DNA must be able to copy itself exactly. - This process is called replication Enzymes control the process.

9. Replication – Overview
·        DNA “unzips” down its H-bonds
·        One strand then acts as a template for the production of a new strand
·        Each new DNA molecule has one old strand of nucleotides and one new strand.

10. Control Of Cell Activities
DNA is copied into RNA. (transcription)
RNA in turn controls the production of proteins. (translation)
Proteins then do the work of the cell.