DNA and RNA Structure and Function DNA Function

DNA and RNA Structure and Function

DNA Function • Stores information needed to make RNA and proteins

Nucleotides • Monomers of nucleic acids • 3 pieces- Phosphate group, ribose sugar and nitrogen base • Identity of the nucleotide is determined by the nitrogen base

Polymer Structure • Nucleotides are linked together by phosphate groups

Polymer Structure • Base Pairs: • Adenine --- Thymine • Cytosine --- Guanine • Chargaff’s Law- The amount of adenine in DNA equals the amount of thymine and the amount cytosine equals the amount of guanine.

DNA’s Structure • DNA is a double helix • DNA has 2 strands of nucleotides • Named for its sugar • Deoxyribose

Where in the cell is DNA?

Nucleotide- Nucleic acid monomer Gene- A section of DNA that has a specific function Chromosome- An organized structure of DNA that contains many genes Genome- All of an organisms DNA

RNA Function • Carries information in the DNA to other parts of the cell • Can also function as an enzyme • Example- Ribosomes

RNA Structure • Uses uracil in place of thymine • Single stranded instead of double • Uses the sugar Ribose instead of Deoxyribose

Where in the cell is RNA? • Made in the nucleus • Moves into the cytoplasm and is used as a template for protein synthesis