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]]. Its shape is known as a double helix (a shape like a ladder that is continuously twisted). It carries the [[genetic]] coding 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. | + | 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. |
[[Prokaryotic DNA]] is circular (a closed loop), while [[Eukaryotic DNA]] is linear (with ends). DNA in [[prokaryote]]s usually consists only of one closed loop chromosome.<ref>Campbell, Neil A, et. al. ''Biology''. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. 299, 530-31.</ref> | [[Prokaryotic DNA]] is circular (a closed loop), while [[Eukaryotic DNA]] is linear (with ends). DNA in [[prokaryote]]s usually consists only of one closed loop chromosome.<ref>Campbell, Neil A, et. al. ''Biology''. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. 299, 530-31.</ref> | ||
Revision as of 01:51, May 1, 2007
DNA, otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule. Its shape is known as a double helix (a shape like a ladder that is continuously twisted). It carries the genetic coding 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.
Prokaryotic DNA is circular (a closed loop), while Eukaryotic DNA is linear (with ends). DNA in prokaryotes usually consists only of one closed loop chromosome.[1]
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.
External links
References
- ↑ Campbell, Neil A, et. al. Biology. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. 299, 530-31.