How is the structure of DNA related to its function?

Answer 1

DNA's structure is a Double helix, or a twisting ladder. It forms these twists as a result of inter-atomic attractions such as Hydrogen bonding. It consists of Base pairs that combine in specific ways to store information for the cell.

This information contains instructions for the cell which can be used to create proteins with specific properties and "jobs". When the DNA has to be "read" or "copied" it is unwound and and transfered into an mRNA (m for messenger), which then takes that information to create a protein somewhere else in the cell. Each time a cell splits, it has to double the DNA.

So you can imagine how much information is stored in the DNA. A lot. Which is why its structure is so complex. It allows for storing a huge amount of data in a very efficient manner. One that take little space, is easy to replicate and retrieve information from.

Kinda like a really small library that contains every single book in the world ever published, available instantly.

The DNA "double helix" structure further condenses into chromosomes. (even more packed!)

Answer 2

DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is formed of a double helix of nucleotides. Sugar-phosphate forms the "sides" and the nucleotides form the "ladder." There are adenine (A) and thymine (T), and then there are cytosine (C) and guanine (G). DNA is what holds the biological code for something. It is DNA that decides what color hair, what color eyes, or what hereditary diseases and traits someone will have.

Answer 3

There are three main ways in which DNA differs from RNA. First, RNA is single-stranded unlike DNA which is double-stranded. Second, DNA contains deoxyribose while RNA contains ribose. Third, the base for adenine is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.

RNA contains the sugar ribose, while DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose. RNA contains the nitrogen base uracil, while DNA contains the nitrogen base thymine.

The DNA has double helix while the RNA has single helix

DNA & RNA

Difference:1.Found in nucleus 2. sugar is deoxyribose 3. Bases are A,T,C,G1.Found in nucleus and cytoplasm 2.sugar is ribose. 3. Bases are A,U,C,G

Bases & Sugars: DNA is a long polymer with a deoxyribose and phosphate backbone and four different bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymineRNA is a polymer with a ribose and phosphate backbone and four different bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil:A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organismsRNA, single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. RNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis and sometimes in the transmission of genetic information.

Job/Role:Medium of long-term storage and transmission of genetic informationThe main job of RNA is to transfer the genetic code need for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. this process prevents the DNA from having to leave the nucleus, so it stays safe. Without RNA, proteins could never be made.

DNA Stands for: DeoxyriboNucleic Acid

RNA Stands for: RiboNucleic Acid

Predominant Structure:Typically a double- stranded molecule with a long chain of nucleotidesA single-stranded molecule in most of its biological roles and has a shorter chain of nucleotides

Pairing of Bases:A-T(Adenine-Thymine), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine)A-U(Adenine-Uracil), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine)

Stability:Deoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive because of C-H bonds. Stable in alkaline conditions. DNA has smaller grooves where the damaging enzyme can attach which makes it harder for the enzyme to attack DNA.Ribose sugar is more reactive because of C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. Not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA on the other hand has larger grooves which makes it easier to be attacked by enzymes.

Unique Features:The helix geometry of DNA is of B-Form. DNA is completely protected by the body i.e. the body destroys enzymes that cleave DNA. DNA can be damaged by exposure to Ultra-violet rays. The helix geometry of RNA is of A-Form. RNA strands are continually made, broken down and reused. RNA is more resistant to damage by Ultra-violet rays.

Answer 4

I really don't think that they're different, but then again I barely learned it awhile ago...

mRNA is another name for it.

mRNA is what copies the DNA in the nucleus i believe, and after that, the copied "DNA" is then taken to the ribosomes to produce proteins.

In a nutshell, DNA is the original, while mRNA is the 'cloned' version.

This can be argued over, because i'm only in high school ^^

Answer 5

DNA's structure is a double helix.

DNa's function is to store the code which, when placed in a cell, provides the instructions for production of a unique living organism.