What is the structure and function of DNA?

Answer 1

"Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells, such as proteins and RNA molecules. The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information. Chemically, DNA is a long polymer of simple units called nucleotides, with a backbone made of sugars and phosphate groups joined by ester bonds. Attached to each sugar is one of four types of molecules called bases. It is the sequence of these four bases along the backbone that encodes information. This information is read using the genetic code, which specifies the sequence of the amino acids within proteins. The code is read by copying stretches of DNA into the related nucleic acid RNA, in a process called transcription. Most of these RNA molecules are used to synthesize proteins, but others are used directly in structures such as ribosomes and spliceosomes. Within cells, DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes. These chromosomes are duplicated before cells divide, in a process called DNA replication. Eukaryotic organisms such as animals, plants, and fungi store their DNA inside the cell nucleus, while in prokaryotes such as bacteria it is found in the cell's cytoplasm. Within the chromosomes, chromatin proteins such as histones compact and organize DNA, which helps control its interactions with other proteins and thereby control which genes are transcribed." This definition is taken from Wikipedia.

Answer 2

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is contained within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. It contains the genetic instructions used for creating life and determining traits. Every single living organism on this planet including some viruses have DNA. It is a simple four letter code but it determines everything about you: your species, gender, eye colour, hair colour, hair type, skin colour, etc. etc.

Answer 3

DNA takes a double-helix shape, coiling itself around. It mostly serves to inform cells of how to function, with genes helping to determine this.

Answer 4

DNA stands for deoxyriboneuclaic acid... basically it's your id. It carries the instructions for each cell's functions, and it determines heredity.

Answer 5

The parts to DNA is Guanine, Thymine, adenine, and cytosine. DNA is to help pass on traits. DNA stands for dioxyribo nucleic acid .

Answer 6

our individuality