Test prep Flashcards
What does the structure of DNA enable it to do?
The structure of DNA enables it to perform two vital fuctuon necessary for life: to make copies of itself so genetic information can be passed from cell to cell or to the next generation. 2. To provide a code that can be used to manufacture different proteins.
Describe the make up of DNA
DNA is a macromolecule which is made up of many smaller, repeating units called nucleotides. Nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose sugar), phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. Five types of nitrogen bases. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
DNA structure
Phosphate of one nucleotide is attached to sugar of the next nucleotide in the DNA. Alternating sugar-phosphate running along each edge of the structure )referred to as the “sugar-phosphate” backbone). Covalent bond. Reaching across from the sugar, the nitrogenous bases pair up. Between each base is a weak hydrogen bon. Advantageous as they can easily be broken and reformed in DNA replication.
