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John Quoran Lecture 3

Third lecture

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10 views2 pages

John Quoran Lecture 3

Third lecture

Uploaded by

essasito56
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Structure of DNA

James Quoran
June 19, 2024

Abstract
This document provides an overview of the structure and function of
DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.
It covers the discovery of DNA, its molecular structure, replication, tran-
scription, and translation processes.

1 Introduction
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that contains the genetic instruc-
tions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known
living organisms and many viruses. Understanding its structure and function is
fundamental to the study of biology.

2 Discovery of DNA
The discovery of DNA as the carrier of genetic information was a pivotal moment
in biology. Key milestones include the identification of nucleic acids by Friedrich
Miescher and the determination of the double helix structure by James Watson
and Francis Crick.

3 Molecular Structure of DNA


The DNA molecule is composed of two strands that coil around each other to
form a double helix. Each strand is made up of nucleotides, which consist of a
phosphate group, a sugar group, and a nitrogen base.

3.1 Nucleotides
Each nucleotide in DNA is composed of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar,
and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and
guanine (G).

1
4 Base Pairing
The nitrogenous bases of the two separate strands are bound together by hy-
drogen bonds, following base pairing rules: adenine pairs with thymine (A-T)
and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G).

5 DNA Replication
DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of
itself. This is essential for cell division and is carried out by a series of enzymes,
including DNA polymerase.
replication
DNA −−−−−−→ DNA + DNA (1)

6 Transcription
Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. This is the
first step in gene expression and is catalyzed by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
transcription
DNA −−−−−−−−→ RNA (2)

7 Translation
Translation is the process by which the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA)
molecule is used to assemble a sequence of amino acids into a protein. This
occurs in the ribosome and involves transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.
translation
RNA −−−−−−−→ Protein (3)

8 Genetic Code
The genetic code consists of the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that
determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins. It is a universal code used
by almost all organisms.

9 Conclusion
The discovery of the DNA double helix has been crucial in understanding ge-
netics and has had a profound impact on many fields of biology and medicine.
Continued research in DNA and genetics holds promise for advances in biotech-
nology, medicine, and our understanding of life itself.

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