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Nucleic Acid, Structure and Types

DNA is a collection of molecules that is responsible for transporting and passing hereditary materials or genetic instructions from one generation to the next.

Nucleic acids are organic materials that are found in all organisms in the form of DNA or RNA. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of life. It is these nucleic acids that are created by the interaction of nitrogenous bases with sugar molecules as well as phosphate groups, all of which are connected together by various bonds in a series of sequences. The basic genetic makeup of our body is defined by the structure of our DNA. In fact, it is responsible for defining the genetic makeup of practically all species on the planet.

RNA(Ribonucleic acid)

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is very similar to DNA in structure. RNA, in contrast to DNA, is a single-stranded molecule. An RNA strand has a backbone that is composed of sugar (ribose) and phosphate groups that alternate. Each sugar is linked to one of four bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine (G). Adenine (A) is the most common base (G). There are three types of RNA found in the cell: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (transcript) (tRNA). In more recent years, it has been discovered that some small RNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression. RNA, also known as ribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that is structurally similar to DNA but differs in a number of subtle ways. The cell uses RNA for a variety of functions, one of which is the production of messenger RNA, also known as mRNA. And it is this nucleic acid information molecule that, through the process of translation, transfers information from the genome into proteins. TRNA (transfer RNA) is yet another type of RNA that does not encode proteins but rather physically transports amino acids to the translation site where they are assembled into chains of proteins during the translation process. TRNA is also known as transfer RNA in some circles.

DNA in Its Complete Form

DNA is also referred to as Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is an organic substance with a specialised molecular structure that is difficult to duplicate. It can be found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as in bacteria.

DNA Types are a group of genetic variations.

It is possible to have three different forms of DNA:

A-DNA is a right-handed double helix that is identical in appearance to the B-DNA type. When DNA is dehydrated, it takes on the shape of the letter A, which protects the DNA under extreme conditions such as desiccation. Protein binding also causes the removal of the solvent from DNA, resulting in the formation of the A form of DNA.

This is the most common DNA shape and is a right-handed helix, making it the B-DNA. Under typical physiological settings, the B type conformation of DNA is seen in the vast majority of DNA molecules.

Z-DNA: Z-DNA is a left-handed DNA molecule in which the double helix is twisted to the left in a zig-zag fashion. Andres Wang and Alexander Rich were the ones who discovered it. The fact that it is found before the start site of a gene suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of gene expression.

The Discoverer of DNA

In 1869, while doing research on white blood cells, the Swiss biologist Johannes Friedrich Miescher discovered and identified the DNA molecule for the first time.

The double helix structure of the DNA molecule was eventually found by James Watson and Francis Crick as a result of their experimental data collection. Final proof that DNA is responsible for storing genetic information in living creatures has been discovered and confirmed.

Diagram of the DNA

The DNA structure is illustrated in the following diagram, which depicts the many sections of the DNA molecule. DNA is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nucleotide bases, which are a group of amino acids (guanine, cytosine, adenine and thymine).

Erwin Chargaff, a scientist, made the discovery that the number of nitrogenous bases in the DNA was equal in both male and female chromosomes. When it comes to A, the amount is equal to T, whereas the amount of C is equal to G. So, A=T and C=G.

To put it another way, the DNA of any cell from any organism should include a 1:1 ratio of purine and pyrimidine base sequences.

Conclusion

DNA is the genetic substance that contains all of the information about a person’s ancestors. Genes are short regions of DNA that are typically between 250 and 2 million base pairs in length. A gene codes for a polypeptide molecule, in which each amino acid is represented by a sequence of three nitrogenous bases.Polypeptide chains are subsequently folded into secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures in order to generate various types of proteins. The fact that every creature has a large number of genes in its DNA means that numerous types of proteins can be created. Proteins are the primary functional and structural molecules in the vast majority of living things. Aside from storing genetic information, DNA is engaged in the following processes:

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the CBSE Class 11 Examination Preparation.

Why is DNA referred to as a Polynucleotide Molecule?

Ans. The DNA molecule is referred to as a polynucleotide because it is composed of nucleotides – deoxyadenylate (A...Read full

Do you know what the structure of DNA is?

Ans. DNA is a double helical structure made up of nucleotides that has a double helix shape. The hydrogen bonds that...Read full

Can you tell me about the three main forms of DNA?

Ans. The three distinct kinds of DNA are as follows: A-DNA ...Read full

What distinguishes Z-DNA from other types of DNA is its structure.

Ans. Z-DNA is a double helix that is oriented to the left. In a zig-zag pattern, the helix weaves its way to the lef...Read full

In what ways does DNA perform its functions?

Ans.The following are some of the functions of DNA: Replication...Read full

When it comes to DNA, what type can be found in humans?

Ans. Humans have B-DNA, which is a kind of DNA. It is a double-helical structure with a right-handed twist....Read full