Changes

Deoxyribonucleic acid (view source)

Revision as of 01:51, May 1, 2007

22 bytes removed , 01:51, May 1, 2007

m

copyediting

Line 1: Line 1: −

'''DNA''', otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is a [[molecule]]. ~~It's~~ shape is known as a double helix (a shape like a ladder that is twisted ~~around over and over again~~). 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.

+

'''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>

ColinR

1,695

edits