DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and is a long chain of nucleotides. Each nucleotide is composed of a phosphate group, a sugar group, and a nitrogen-containing base. The four bases found in DNA are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine.
Structure of DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. DNA is made of four different bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes which are located inside the nucleus of a cell.
Concepts:
DNA molecules are so small that over one million of them can fit in a single drop of water. The human genome (the entire set of DNA) contains over 3 billion base pairs. The DNA molecule has two strands that are held together by weak bonds called hydrogen bonds.
Did you know?
Work together in pairs: What are the three components of DNA structure?
How does the double helix structure of DNA contribute to its function in storing and transmitting genetic information?
Work together in pairs: What is the difference between the two strands of a DNA double helix?
Brain break: Draw a monkey eating an ice cream cone that is taller than itself
What does DNA stand for?
- Deoxyribose Nucleotide Assembly
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid
- Dihydroxyribonucleic Acid
What is the shape of DNA?
- Single strand
- Double helix
- Triple helix
Which bases pair together in DNA?
- Uracil-Guanine
- Cytosine-Guanine
- Adenine-Thymine
What sugar is found in DNA?
Which scientist(s) discovered the structure of DNA?
- Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins
- Gregor Mendel
- James Watson and Francis Crick