Skip to main content

What is the role of DNA in the storage, expression and transmission of genetic information?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is made up of two long polynucleotide chains wrapped around each other to form what is referred to as a double helix. Each chain is called a DNA strand held together by a sugar-phosphate backbone from which four bases extend.


The base portion on one strand binds to a complementary one on the other strand. They are held together by hydrogen bonds between them to form base pairs. The sequence of these...

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is made up of two long polynucleotide chains wrapped around each other to form what is referred to as a double helix. Each chain is called a DNA strand held together by a sugar-phosphate backbone from which four bases extend.


The base portion on one strand binds to a complementary one on the other strand. They are held together by hydrogen bonds between them to form base pairs. The sequence of these four bases- adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T) encode the information stored in the DNA .


A copy of our DNA is replicated in every cell of our body to enable it to express the genetic code embedded in it. This is accomplished by an enzyme called DNA helicase which is responsible for unzipping the DNA strands to expose the nucleotides so that the nucleotide bases, where information is encoded, can be used as templates for replication.


The DNA expresses itself by controlling the type of protein a cell can make. Even though every cell has a full complement of genes, only certain genes can express themselves. This makes it possible for a single fertilised egg to differentiate into many types of cells.


DNA transmits genetic information that is copied accurately to the next generation. Through a process called genetic recombination, segments of different chromosomes exchange places with each other, creating new sequences of genetic material which can produce new proteins. If changes occur in the DNA sequence, these can be inherited by the next generation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more