DNA Basics

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What is DNA?

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

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What does DNA control in an organism?

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DNA controls various traits in an organism, including physical characteristics like eye color, hair color, and height.

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What are the building blocks of DNA?

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The building blocks of DNA are nucleotides, which consist of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

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What are the four nitrogen bases in DNA?

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The four nitrogen bases in DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

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How do nitrogen bases pair in DNA?

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In DNA, Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C-G).

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What is a nucleotide?

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A nucleotide is the basic structural unit of DNA, consisting of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogen base.

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What is the role of deoxyribose sugar in DNA?

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Deoxyribose sugar is part of the nucleotide structure and forms the backbone of the DNA molecule.

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What is the significance of the double helix structure of DNA?

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The double helix structure of DNA allows for the compact storage of genetic information and provides stability to the molecule.

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What is the process of DNA replication?

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DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA before cell division.

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What is a gene?

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A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.