Summary
BIOL 111 DNA Summary
- Course
- Basic Biology
- Institution
- Campbell University
Detailed summary on DNA for BIOL 111
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What is DNA?DNA is a biological molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop,
survive, and reproduce. It is present in all forms of life on earth and contains each organism’s
genetic code. Virtually, every cell in the body contains deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic
code that makes each person unique. DNA carries the instructions for the development, growth,
and reproduction, and functioning of all life. DNA is a long molecule that contains each person’s
unique genetic code. It holds the instructions for building the proteins essential for the body’s
function (MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023).
Differences in the genetic code are why one person has blue eyes rather than brown, why birds
have two wings, or why giraffes have long necks. Differences or mutations in the genetic code
can also lead to being susceptible to certain diseases. Not only do nearly all cells in the body
contain DNA, but the DNA in a single cell would span over 6.5 feet long if unraveled and
stretched end-to-end (MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023).
How is DNA Structured?
DNA is a two-stranded molecule that appears twisted, giving it a unique shape referred to as the
double helix. Each of the two strands is a long sequence of nucleotides (MedicalNewsToday,
retrieved 2023). These are the individuals units of DNA and they are made of:
● A phosphate molecule
● A sugar molecule called deoxyribose, containing five carbons
● A nitrogen-containing region
, There are four types of nitrogen-containing regions called, bases include:
● Adenine
● Cytosine
● Guanine
● Thymine
The order of these four bases forms the genetic code, which is the instructions for life. The bases
of the two strands of DNA are stuck together to create a ladder-like shape. Within the ladder, A
sticks to T, and G sticks to C to create the “rungs.” The length of the ladder forms through the
sugar and phosphate groups (MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023).
What is a Gene?
Each length of DNA that codes for a specific protein is called a gene. For instance, one gene
codes for the protein insulin, the hormone that helps control levels of sugar in the blood. Humans
have around 30,000 genes, although estimates vary. It is believed that only about 1% of DNA is
made up of protein-coding genes. Scientists know less about the function of the remaining 99%
of DNA but believe them to be involved in regulating transcription and translation
(MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023).
Chromosome 1 is the largest and contains around 2,800 genes. The smallest chromosome 22
with around 750 genes (MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023).
How Does DNA Work?
Most DNA lives in the nuclei of cells and some exist in mitochondria, which are the
powerhouses of the cells. Because humans have so much DNA and the nuclei are so small, DNA
needs to be packaged incredibly neatly (MedicalNewsToday, retrieved 2023). Strands of DNA
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