Deoxyribosnucleic Acid
It's so great, it'll knock off your genes!
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things. All known cellular life and some viruses contain DNA. The main role of DNA in the cell is the long-term storage of information. It is often compared to a blueprint, since it contains the instructions to construct other components of the cell, such as proteins and RNA molecules. The DNA segments that carry genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the expression of genetic information.
What is DNA made of?
DNA is made of chemical building blocks called nucleotides. These building blocks are made of three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar group and one of four types of nitrogen bases. To form a strand of DNA, nucleotides are linked into chains, with the phosphate and sugar groups alternating.
What does DNA do?
DNA controls the structure and function of the entire body. its in every cell. It contains genes that control protein production. the proteins they get shipped to their appropriate destination in the body.
Where is DNA found?
In organisms called eukaryotes, DNA is found inside a special area of the cell called the nucleus. Because the cell is very small, and because organisms have many DNA molecules per cell, each DNA molecule must be tightly packaged. This packaged form of the DNA is called a chromosome.
Quick video to show you how DNA works!
DNA Replication: The Cell's Extreme Team Sport
Ribonucleic Acid
What is RNA?
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid polymer consisting of nucleotide monomers that plays several important roles in the processes that translate genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into protein products; RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and the protein synthesis complexes known as ribosomes, forms vital portions of ribosomes, and acts as an essential carrier molecule for amino acids to be used in protein synthesis.
Where is RNA located in the cell?
RNA or ribonucleic acid is found in the nucleus of the animal cell. This substance is important too the body as it stores and transmits genetic information that plays a part in the manufacture if proteins. This information is carried from the DNA to the ribosomes within the cell.
Polymerase
Without the building cell aka (polymerase) this is what our DNA would look like.