DNA Molecules

By: Kristy Annely
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:27:00
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Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the component containing the blueprint that specifies the biological development and composition of every form of life. Its general structure is in the form of a double helix and is primarily made up of nucleic acids. DNA is a polymer strand of nucleotides that contain sequences using genetic codes. For most complex cells, DNA is actually located in the cell nucleus. The physical model of the DNA molecule has always been a source of great mystery to a lot of people. How can a tiny molecule be responsible for carrying all genetic information?

DNA molecules are referred to as molecules of heredity because they are responsible for the genetic passing on of inherited traits. DNA is replicated during the process of reproduction, transmitting parental DNA to offspring during reproduction itself.

Although scientists from ancient times already recognized the propagation of features to the next generation, the formal study of DNA, including the fundamental principles that govern heredity, only started when Gregor Mendel hypothesized that physical traits of garden peas are a result of the combination of genes from both parent garden peas. In the early 1950s scientists accepted scientific evidence that proved that DNA is the chromosomal component responsible in carrying hereditary information. Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase's experiment proved that DNA is the molecule that holds genetic information.

The physical structure of the DNA molecule and its complex functioning was proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick who studied the structure of DNA molecules using x-ray crystallography. At that time, it was already made known that DNA is made up of nucleotides made up of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base; each DNA molecule has four different bases; DNA's basic structure is helical. Their collaboration further enhanced these ideas as they promoted novel yet scientifically-backed ideas that led to better understanding of the DNA structure and the ability to work with and manipulate the DNA molecule.

DNA provides detailed information on DNA, DNA Testing, DNA Structures, DNA Fingerprinting and more. DNA is affiliated with Free DNA Testing.

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