a1.2.1 - DNA as the genetic material of all living organisms

Question 1

state the two primary functions of nucleic acids

Answer 1

1. pass genetic information between generations
2. code for protein production

Question 2

state the two types of nucleic acids used in cells

Answer 2

DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid
RNA - ribonucleic acid

Question 3

outline the meaning and implication of DNA being the genetic material of all living organisms

Answer 3

meaning:
- all living organisms use DNA as the genetic material

implication:
- the use of the genetic code across all forms of life is evidence of universal common ancestry of life. the sequences of DNA in cells can be analyzed and compared to determine evolutionary relationships between organisms. the more similar the sequence, the more closely related the organisms.

Question 4

state why RNA viruses do not falsify the claim that all living things use DNA as the genetic material

Answer 4

some viruses use RNA as their genetic material. however, because viruses are not made of cells, they are not considered to be living