DNA
DNA is a double-stranded double helix (twisted ladder)
A base pair creates one rung of the ladder
The sequence of bases (ATCG) determines instructions for life
4 Nitrogen Bases:
A – Adenine
T – Thymine
C – Cytosine
G – Guanine
Adenine always pairs with thymine
2 hydrogen bonds between them
Cytosine always pairs with guanine
3 hydrogen bonds between them
DNA backbone is made of:
P – Phosphate
S – Sugar (deoxyribose)
RNA
RNA is single-stranded DNA
Used for making protein
4 Nitrogen Bases:
A – Adenine
U – Uracil (Replaced Thymine in DNA)
C – Cytosine
G – Guanine
Adenine always pairs with uracil
2 hydrogen bonds between them
Cytosine always pairs with guanine
3 hydrogen bonds between them
RNA backbone is made of:
P – Phosphate
S – Sugar (ribose)
DNA Replication:
Purpose: to make an exact copy of DNA for cell division
Process: o DNA Gyrase unwinds the DNA o DNA Helicase unzips the DNA o Free bases attach to the DNA
RNA Transcription:
Purpose: To make protein
Process: o DNA Gyrase unwinds the DNA o RNA Polymerase unzips the DNA o Free RNA bases attach to one side of the DNA
RNA Translation:
Purpose: To make protein
Process: o Every three bases creates one amino acid o Amino acids connect to make a protein
Gene: section of DNA that codes for a trait (hair color, eye color, etc.)
Mutations:
Substitution o Base pair is substituted for another
Deletion o Base pair is deleted
Addition o Base pair is added
Mutations can:
1. Can help you.
2. Can harm you.
3. Have no effect on you.
Restriction Enzyme:
Enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence
Example: o TATA o CCCGG