Difference between revisions of "Deoxyribonucleic acid"
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| − | '''DNA''', otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a [[molecule]] | + | '''DNA''', otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a [[molecule]]. It's shape is known as a double helix (a shape like two ladders twisted around each other) It carries the [[genetic]] instructions for the proteins that form the bodies of living organisms. All living creatures contain DNA, and the DNA of two (sexually reproducing) creatures' offspring is a mix of its parents' DNA. |
| − | + | Small parts of DNA called genes serve as the instructions for the body to carry out its functions and give rise to traits such as eye color, hair color, etc. Genes are packaged into [[chromosomes]]. Each individual human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes, where one set is inherited from his/her mother and the other set is inherited from his/her father. | |
| − | DNA changes account for | + | DNA changes account for differences between individuals. However, they can also cause medical problems. |
| − | DNA is transcribed into [[RNA]], which is in turn being translated into [[Amino Acids]] that that are used to form [[protein]]s which are the building blocks of all living creatures. [[RNA]] can also be reverse transcribed back into DNA, which is the called [[Complimentary DNA]] or [[cDNA]]. | + | DNA is [[transcription|transcribed]] into [[RNA]], which is in turn being [[translation|translated]] into [[Amino Acids]] that that are used to form [[protein]]s which are the building blocks of all living creatures. [[RNA]] can also be reverse-transcribed back into DNA, which is the called [[Complimentary DNA]] or [[cDNA]]. |
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 12:36, April 16, 2007
DNA, otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule. It's shape is known as a double helix (a shape like two ladders twisted around each other) It carries the genetic instructions for the proteins that form the bodies of living organisms. All living creatures contain DNA, and the DNA of two (sexually reproducing) creatures' offspring is a mix of its parents' DNA.
Small parts of DNA called genes serve as the instructions for the body to carry out its functions and give rise to traits such as eye color, hair color, etc. Genes are packaged into chromosomes. Each individual human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes, where one set is inherited from his/her mother and the other set is inherited from his/her father.
DNA changes account for differences between individuals. However, they can also cause medical problems.
DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is in turn being translated into Amino Acids that that are used to form proteins which are the building blocks of all living creatures. RNA can also be reverse-transcribed back into DNA, which is the called Complimentary DNA or cDNA.