DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and is responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Structure of DNA

The structure of DNA is a double helix, which consists of two long chains of nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases found in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair up in a specific manner: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

Functions of DNA

The primary functions of DNA include:

Storage of Genetic Information: DNA carries the genetic instructions that determine the traits and characteristics of an organism.
Replication: DNA can make copies of itself, allowing genetic information to be passed on to new cells and offspring.
Gene Expression: DNA contains the information for producing proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells.

Study Guide

To understand DNA, it's important to grasp the following concepts:

Structure of DNA: Understand the components of a nucleotide, the arrangement of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, and the double helix structure.
Base Pairing: Learn how adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine in DNA.
Functions of DNA: Understand the roles of DNA in storing genetic information, replication, and gene expression.
Replication: Study the process of DNA replication, including the role of enzymes and the importance of fidelity in replication.
Genetic Code: Explore how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA encodes the information for protein synthesis.

By mastering these concepts, you will have a solid understanding of DNA and its significance in genetics and biology.

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Thermodynamics

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)

Matter and Its Interactions

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.

Energy

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Structure of DNA

Functions of DNA

Study Guide

[Dna] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Thermodynamics

The resources above cover the following skills: