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DNA Explained

This document provides an overview of DNA, explaining its role as the molecule that stores biological instructions and its structure as a double helix made of sugar, phosphate, and chemical base pairs. It outlines how DNA is organized into genes and chromosomes, and how genetic information is inherited from parents. The document serves as an educational guide for understanding the basics of DNA and its functions in living organisms.

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Nishant Sagar Dewangan
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1 views2 pages

DNA Explained

This document provides an overview of DNA, explaining its role as the molecule that stores biological instructions and its structure as a double helix made of sugar, phosphate, and chemical base pairs. It outlines how DNA is organized into genes and chromosomes, and how genetic information is inherited from parents. The document serves as an educational guide for understanding the basics of DNA and its functions in living organisms.

Uploaded by

Nishant Sagar Dewangan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

■ DNA Explained

A simple guide to Deoxyribonucleic Acid, genes, chromosomes, and inheritance.

What is DNA?
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is the molecule that stores the biological instructions used by
living organisms. Think of DNA as the instruction manual of your body.

What does DNA do?


• Helps cells grow and develop

• Provides instructions for making proteins

• Helps cells repair and maintain themselves

• Controls many normal cellular functions

• Carries genetic information from parents to children

Structure of DNA
DNA has a shape called a double helix, which looks like a twisted ladder. The sides of the ladder are made
from sugar and phosphate molecules, while the steps contain pairs of chemical bases.

Base Pairs with

A — Adenine T — Thymine

C — Cytosine G — Guanine

The order of these bases carries the genetic information. For example, a DNA sequence might look like: A
→ T → C → G → G → A → T → C.

DNA → Gene → Chromosome


Term Simple meaning

DNA The molecule containing genetic information.

Gene A specific section of DNA containing instructions for a


particular function or characteristic.

Chromosome A tightly packaged structure made primarily of DNA and


proteins.

Genome All of an organism's DNA.

How is DNA inherited?


You receive roughly half of your nuclear DNA from your mother and half from your father. This is one
reason children can share characteristics with both parents. Genes can influence characteristics such as
eye color, hair characteristics, and blood type, although many traits are influenced by multiple genes and by
the environment.

A simple analogy
Imagine DNA as a recipe book:

• DNA = the entire recipe book

• Chromosome = one chapter

• Gene = one recipe

• A, T, C and G = the letters used to write the recipe

Key fact: Humans typically have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in most body cells.

This PDF is an educational overview of DNA and is intended for general learning.

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