DNABy Chris Asimos

Who is DNA?

• DNA is a nickname which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.

• It is located in every cell’s nucleus.• Four chemical bases that help form DNA:

– Adenine (A)– Guanine (G)– Cytosine (C)– Thymine (T)

The DNA Family Reunion

• Adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine pair up into groups (2)– A T; G C

• Each pairs connects with a sugar and phosphate molecule called a nucleotide.– Double Helix

• DNA can make copies of itself.

• Helps cells divide because they need the exact old copy.

Information• James Watson

discovered DNA ’53• DNA can replicate

itself and direct protein synthesis.

• A.K.A nucleic acids

DNA has friends!!

• Gene – distinct part of the DNA (25,000)

• Proteins – DNA plays a key role in protein synthesis and allows proteins to combine with one another.

• Chromosomes – genes are packaged in chromosomes and determine body characteristics. (23 pairs)

• RNA (BFF)

DNA’s BFF

• RNA wants to be just like DNA but can’t.

• Three differences:– RNA has one strand– Replaces Thymine with Uracil.– RNA does not have a hydroxyl group.

• Not very long strands, packed tightly.

DNA’s Daily Life

• Without DNA, you’d be dead.

• It’s in every cell of the body and controls the function and structure of the body.

• Controls protein production.

The Life of DNA

• Survives for millions of years.• Your DNA is the same DNA as someone

else’s a couple million years ago.• Can live up to 250 million years.• DNA always exists!