...DNA vs. RNA Dustin D. Napier Computer Science Degree Grantham University DNA vs. RNA DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA is ribonucleic acid. DNA is a double strand and RNA is a single strand. Although DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences between them. The following information will describe the differences between DNA and RNA DNA DNA contains long-term storage of genetic information; transmission of genetic information to make other cells and new organisms. DNA is a double strand that has a long chain of nucleotides. DNA has a composition of bases and sugars. They are deoxyribose sugar, phosphate backbone, adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine bases. DNA is also self-replicating. DNA has adenine-thymine also known as AT and guanine-cytosine also known as GC. DNA has a bond that make it very stable. The bond is a C-H bond. DNA has small grooves that serve as protection and minimal space for enzymes to attach to the strand its self. DNA is vulnerable to Ultraviolet that would cause damage to the strand. RNA RNA transfers the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome and that produces proteins. RNA transfers genetic information in some specimens. RNA in some cases is what molecule was used to store genetic blue prints in prime organisms. RNA is a single strand and the helix consists of short chains of nucleotides. RNA has a composition of bases and sugars. They are ribose sugar, phosphate backbone, adenine, guanine...
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...Nitrogenous bases in DNA DNA is the principle molecule responsible for carrying genetic information within almost all living organisms for their development. They also provide some of the apparatus by which the instructions are carried out. This excludes viruses, as they use RNA, to carry their genetic information. (Image 1: DNA molecule, nucleotide, base pairing. Reference: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/422006/DNA-sequencing ) Structurally, the DNA molecule consists of two intertwined strands, the margins of which are chains of sugar and phosphate groups. The chains are linked by pairs of substances called bases, of which there are: adenine, guanine, thymine and...
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...Comparison chart | DNA | RNA | Definition: | A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms | RNA, single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. RNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis and sometimes in the transmission of genetic information. | Job/Role: | Medium of long-term storage and transmission of genetic information | The main job of RNA is to transfer the genetic code need for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. this process prevents the DNA from having to leave the nucleus, so it stays safe. Without RNA, proteins could never be made. | Stands for: | DeoxyriboNucleicAcid | RiboNucleicAcid | Predominant Structure: | Typically a double- stranded molecule with a long chain of nucleotides | A single-stranded molecule in most of its biological roles and has a shorter chain of nucleotides | Pairing of Bases: | A-T(Adenine-Thymine), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine) | A-U(Adenine-Uracil), G-C(Guanine-Cytosine) | Stability: | Deoxyribose sugar in DNA is less reactive because of C-H bonds. Stable in alkaline conditions. DNA has smaller grooves where the damaging enzyme can attach which makes it harder for the enzyme to attack DNA. | Ribose sugar is more reactive because of C-OH (hydroxyl) bonds. Not stable in alkaline conditions. RNA on the other hand has larger grooves which...
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...Compare and contrast DNA and RNA. Discuss why humans did not evolve with one central repository of DNA, but rather it is replicated throughout the body? Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): It is helical double stranded nucleic acid made of complementary purine and pyramidines supported by deoxy ribose sugars and phospodiester structures. (5 Prime to 3 prime). Eukaryotic DNA material. Ribonucleic acid (RNA): It is a single nucleic acid supported by adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil supported by ribose sugars. mRNA, rRNA and tRNA. Double standed RNA Viruses are also with RNA as genetic material a) Makes a complementary strand of RNA ---------> primase Primase is an RNA polymerase that reads DNA and synthesize complememntary RNA strand (mRNA). b) Allows DNA to unwind to reduce tension. -------> helicase (Helicases can unwind double stranded DNA) c) Forms a phosphodiester bond between two Okazaki fragments. -----> ligase DNA ligase is an enzyme, which seals the breaks and fills in gaps in a DNA strand during replication process. D) Removes primers -----------------------> DNA Pol I (DNA polymerase I). DNA polymerase removes primers by a process called nick translaton. Double stranded RNA is predominantly present in viruses. In this type of RNA, two complementary strands are found with a helix that triggers RNA interference and interferon response in eukaryotes. ------------------------------------------------- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is double-stranded...
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...Differentiate DNA and RNA in terms of structure and composition DNA is known as the blueprint of biological guidelines that a living organism must follow to exist and remain functional. RNA on the other hand, helps carry out this blueprint's guidelines. Of the two, RNA is more versatile than DNA because it is capable of performing numerous, diverse tasks in an organism, but DNA is more stable and holds more complex information for longer periods of time. | DNA | RNA | Structural Name: | Deoxyribonucleic Acid | Ribonucleic Acid | Definition | A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all modern living organisms. DNA's genes are expressed, or manifested, through the proteins that its nucleotides produce with the help of RNA. | The information found in DNA determines which traits are to be created, activated, or deactivated, while the various forms of RNA do the work. | Function: | Medium of long-term storage and transmission of genetic information. | Transfer the genetic code needed for the creation of proteins from the nucleus to the ribosome. This process prevents the DNA from having to leave the nucleus, so it stays safe. Without RNA, proteins could never be made. | Structure: | Typically a double- stranded molecule with a long chain of nucleotides. | A single-stranded molecule in most of its biological roles and has a shorter chain of nucleotides. | Bases/Sugars: | Long polymer with a deoxyribose and phosphate...
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...Outline I. Introduction A. DNA is a term we throw around so often in the science world B. What is it? How does its structure influence our lives? C. Who discovered it? Where did this happen? D. The structure of DNA is quite important to our somatic function E. Applications of DNA in our daily life, as well as man made functions that are incredibly important to our development in civilization * PCR and Gel Electrophoresis : Polymerase Chain Reaction with Gel Electrophoresis * Monoclonal and Polyclonal antibodies * DNA genotyping : Used in conjunction with PCR/Gel Electrophoresis to compare DNA for filial testing(maternity/paternity) as well as CSI for identification of potential suspects(forensics); can also be used to trace pedigree F. The structure of DNA is incredibly important to it’s function, and the discovery of this molecule, that is the basis of our life, has influenced the advancement of the human race because of it’s incredible structure and variability as well as its role in human side application. II. Body G. DNA is Deoxyribonucleic acid * It is also known as a polynucleotide * It is one of the 3 major macromolecules of life! * It is a complex molecule * It is a anti-parallel double helix – meaning its two opposite sides twirl around and form a parallel twisting molecule * Deoxyribose because the carbohydrate, deoxyribose, is a pentacarbon sugar base,...
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...cleave the phosphodiester bond between an adjacent phosphate and deoxyribose group in the phosphate backbone of the DNA. The active site of the endonuclease perform this cleavage by binding to the side chain of certain amino acids to the phosphate group through a chemical bond. This dissolves the preexisting bond between the deoxyribose sugar and the phosphate resulting in a breakage with in the DNA chain at a specific location. (3, 7) One characteristic feature of restriction endonucleases is that they cut at a very particular site having a specific DNA sequence. This specific sequence that allows the enzyme to attach is known as the recognition site. Consider the example of the first restriction enzyme discovered, EcoRI....
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...Nucleic Acids Competency 208.5.1 Melissa Kelleher, RN The Structure of DNA • DNA is composed of units called nucleoCdes, (Wolfe, 2000). • NucleoCdes are composed of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base, (Wolfe, 2000). – Purines – nitrogenous bases that composed of two rings, (Wolfe, 2000). – Pyrimadines – nitrogenous bases composed of one ring, (Wolfe, 2000). The Structure of DNA • DNA is a double helix structure of nucleoCdes wound together in an anCparallel direcCon, (Wolfe, 2000). – Hydrogen bonds form between the nitrogenous bases, (Wolfe, 2000). – Base pairs only bond in specific pairs, (Wolfe, 2000). • Adenine bonds only with thymine, (Wolfe, 2000). • Guanine bonds only with cytosine, (Wolfe, 2000). • Deoxyribose sugars line up in one direcCon, considered the 51 to 31 direcCon, in one strand of DNA, and in the opposing direcCon, considered the 31 to 51 direcCon, ...
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...8.1.1 Study: DNA Replication Study Sheet Biology Core (S3342899) Main idea 1: DNA is a long chain of nucleotides. Represents a ring of five carbon atoms. Four carbons and an oxygen make up the five-membered ring; the other carbon branches off the ring. Represents a ring of five carbon atoms. Four carbons and an oxygen make up the five-membered ring; the other carbon branches off the ring. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing PO43− or a related anion or a group such as —OPO(OH)2 A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing PO43− or a related anion or a group such as —OPO(OH)2 * Adenine – A * Guanine – G * Cytosine – C * Thymine - T * Adenine – A * Guanine – G * Cytosine – C * Thymine - T Deoxyribose Deoxyribose Main idea 2: The structure of DNA is a double helix. It was discovered through the work of several scientists. Hydrogen bonds play important roles in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of proteins. (In alpha helices and beta sheets, the three dimensional, folded structure of the protein, and the joining together of subunits of the protein). In DNA, H bonds hold together the two strands. This attraction is weak enough so that the strands can be pulled apart in replication and transcription. Hydrogen bonds play important roles in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of proteins. (In alpha helices and beta sheets, the three dimensional, folded structure of the protein, and...
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...Q1 A cell’s genetic information or genome or DNA, either a single DNA molecule in prokaryotes or multi DNA molecules in eukaryotes always consist of chromosomes. In humans, a typical cell has about 3 meters of DNA which has to be copied and then this copy has to be separated during cell division. This can be done just because the DNA molecule can be packed into chromosomes (chromo means coloured). Every species has certain number of chromosomes in each nucleus, for example humans have 46 chromosomes in their somatic cells and half of this number, 23 in their sex cells or gametes. So then each chromosome has a long chain of a DNA molecule which has hundreds or thousands of genes and these genes are specified for numerous inherited traits. Many proteins in DNA help to maintain the structure of chromosomes and control the genes actions. This DNA-proteins complex forms a thin, long structure, called chromatin which coil and fold during cell division to make the chromosome much thicker and shorter. Each duplicated chromosomes contains two sister chromatid with identical copies of DNA molecule, attached at a narrow place called centromere. Later in cell division process the sister chromatids of all the chromosomes are pulled apart and repackaged as complete chromosome sets in two new nuclei. Mitosis or the division of the nuclei is usually followed by cytokinesis or the division of cytoplasm.Where there was one cell, now there are two cells each equivalent of the parent cell...
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...heat-killed type S bacteria also does not cause pneumonia; however, when he injected a mouse with both live type R bacteria and heat-killed type S bacteria, the mouse died and live type S bacteria was found in its body. Something in the heat-killed type S bacteria transformed the type R strain into a killer, when previously it had been harmless. Therefore, Griffith determined that an unknown substance transmits a disease-causing trait between two types of bacteria, while Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty’s experiment determined that the “transforming principle” was DNA. Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty’s experiment determined this by treating the type S strain with a protein-destroying enzyme, which showed the protein was not transmitting the killing trait, and then, they treated the S type strain with a DNA-destroying enzyme, which, showed the DNA was the “transforming principle.”...
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...of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure. Chromosomes are not visible in the cell’s nucleus—not even under a microscope—when the cell is not dividing. However, the DNA that makes up chromosomes becomes more tightly packed during cell division and is then visible under a microscope. Most of what researchers know about chromosomes was learned by observing chromosomes during cell division. Each chromosome has a constriction point called the centromere, which divides the chromosome into two sections, or “arms.” The short arm of the chromosome is labeled the “p arm.” The long arm of the chromosome is labeled the “q arm.” The location of the centromere on each chromosome gives the chromosome its characteristic shape, and can be used to help describe the location of specific genes. human male chromosomes A gene is a unit of heredity in a living organism. It normally resides on a stretch of DNA that codes for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. All living things depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains. Genes hold the information to build and maintain an organism's cells and pass genetic traits to offspring, although some organelles (e.g. mitochondria) are self-replicating and are not coded for by the organism's DNA. A modern working...
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..."Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid" was an article published by Francis Crick and James D. Watson in the scientific journal Nature in its 171st volume on pages 737–738 . It was the first publication which described the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. This article is often termed a "pearl" of science because it is brief and contains the answer to a fundamental mystery about living organisms. This mystery was the question of how it is possible that genetic instructions are held inside organisms and how they are passed from generation to generation. The article presents a simple and elegant solution, which surprised many biologists at the time who believed that DNA transmission was going to be more difficult to deduce and understand. The discovery had a major impact on biology, particularly in the field of genetics, enabling later researchers to understand the genetic code . Origins of molecular biology The application of physics and chemistry to biological problems led to the development of molecular biology. Molecular biology is particularly concerned with the flow and consequences of biological information at the level of genes and proteins. The discovery of the DNA double helix made clear that genes are functionally defined parts of DNA molecules and that there must be a way for cells to make use of their DNA genes in order to make proteins. Linus Pauling was a chemist who was very influential in developing...
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...Biology notes- DNA Structure of DNA Nucleotide structure Individual nucleotides of DNA are made up of three components: A sugar called deoxyribose A phosphate group An organic base belonging to one of two different groups: A single ring bases- cytosine and thymine Double ring bases- adenine and guanine The sugar, phosphate group and organic base are combined as a result of condensation reactions, to give a single nucleotide. DNA structure DNA is made up of two strands of nucleotides. Each of the two strands is extremely long, and they are joined together by hydrogen bonds formed between certain bases. In its simplified form, DNA can be thought of as a ladder, in which the phosphate and deoxybrose molecules alternate to form the uprights and the organic bases pair together to form the rungs. Pairing of bases The organic bases contain nitrogen and are of two types. Those with a double ring structure- A and G, have longer molecules than those with a single ring structure C and T. A pairs with T by 2 hydrogen bonds G pairs with C by 3 hydrogen bonds The quantities of adenine and thymine in DNA are always the same and so are the quantities of G and C. However, the ratio of adenine and thymine to guanine and cytosine varies from species to species. Double helix The uprights of phosphate and deoxyribose wind around one another to form a double helix. They form the structural backbone of the DNA molecule. For each complete turn of this helix, there are ten base...
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...deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that codes for a specific protein. It is the roughly 25,000 genes of the human genome that make the entire human organism. This lab illustrates the processes that take us from gene to protein - in other words, the steps that take us from four nucleic acids to the human organism. Objective * Describe the DNA structure and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. Background Genes and DNA Genes code for proteins. It is the specific action or function of these proteins that determines cellular shape and cellular function. The processes that take us from the sequence of nucleotides to protein are collectively called the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. The process begins with a sequence of nucleotides. There are four nucleotides in DNA- adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine abbreviated A, G, C, and T, respectively. The structure of DNA is a double helix- a winding staircase structure where the rungs of the staircase are made up of the nucleotides; the railing, or backbone, is made up of sugar- in the case of DNA, the backbone is made up of the sugar, deoxyribose. The nucleotides pair up as complementary pairs to make up the “rungs”- A always pairs with T, C always pairs with G; this is called the Law of Complementary Base Pairs. The complementary pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds- weak bonds that can be broken and reformed to allow the double-strand to be separated and read (transcribed). This means that if you have a strand of DNA and you want...
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