W1 T1 Structure of DNA

Question 1

Explain what DNA is and identify where it is located within a cell

Answer 1

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and it holds instructions for all proteins (1) within the body in the chemical language of bases. DNA stores genetic information that determine unique traits and characteristics (2)

DNA is located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which protects it from damage (3). It is packed into chromosomes, thread-like structures coiled around proteins (histones)

DNA is located in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells (4) , where it is not enclosed within a membrane bound nucleus.

Question 2

How are proteins and amino acids essential in forming living cells

Answer 2

Proteins and chemicals combine to form cells (1) which make up tissues for organs. Proteins have many different forms, however they must have the correct shape to function (2) hence, DNA’s most important function is to align and form protein shapes (3) to help cells and organs and entire organisms function

Question 3

How are ribosomes essential in coding amino acids?

Answer 3

Chemicals allow DNA to turn amino acids into proteins (1) as RNA fit through the pores of nucleus and travel to the ribosome (2) the ribosome can read the code such that amino acids stick into a chain according to genetic code of RNA

Question 4

Describe nucleotides as the building blocks of nucleic acid

Answer 4

A nucleotide is a monomer of nucleic acid (1) such as DNA/RNA
Nucleotides consist of a phosphate group, sugar and a nitrogenous base (2)
The phosphate groups and deoxyribose sugar molecules form the backbone of DNA whilst nitrogenous bases pair up to hold the two strands together and encode genetic information (3) in a complementary fashion

Question 5

Describe the bonds in nucleotides within DNA strands

Answer 5

Covalent bonds: Strong and harder to break as they share electrons (1) found between the nucleotides
Hydrogen bonds: Weaker and easier to break as they do not share electrons (1) and found between complementary base pairing
Bonds separate during transcription and translation

Question 6

Describe structure of DNA molecule

Answer 6

Double helix structure (1) is the physical structure of the molecule which is linked together and resemble a twisted helix-like shape
Helical strands are connected through interactions and bonding between nucleotide base pairs (2)