DNA Structures

By: Kristy Annely
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:56
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

In all that we see in nature, the principle that we usually see is that form follows function. This is because in almost all creatures and plants, the unique features that they have serve a purpose. One example of this includes how some creatures are able to camouflage themselves within their background because their skin color allows them to do so. Other examples include birds with specially shaped beaks to help them catch prey, and the woodpecker is a good example of this. However, this principle does not only apply to the physical attributes of animals and plants as this principle is also followed up to the molecular level. This is seen on how the structure of the most basic genetic molecule, which is DNA also follows this principle.

Form follows function

The function of DNA is for replication and the transfer of genetic information. Given this, it can be expected that the structure of DNA would be designed to serve these functions. For its replication function, the two-strand structure of DNA molecule allows for the separation of these two strands to be able to bind with newly developing DNA molecule. This means that the two strands can “give birth” to a limitless number of DNA molecules as long as the replication process goes on.

For its genetic information transfer function, the way by which DNA molecule is made up of sub-units that contain a sugar, a phosphate group and four nitrogenous bases allows for the molecule to be arranged in a way by which a code is formed. This code is determined by the sequence of the four nitrogenous bases namely, adenosine (A), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and guanine (G). During the replication process, this code is transferred to the new DNA molecules that are formed through a process by which a gene that is formed or coded in the same sequence in which the nitrogenous bases are sequenced in the DNA. These genes then determine the proteins that make up and establish the biological characteristics of an organism.

As with anything in nature, DNA also follows the principle that form follows function. This is because the unique structure of DNA allows it to serve its two main functions, which are the replication and the transfer of genetic information.

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

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Science category

  • Hydrogen As a Fuel Source - By: Levi Quinn
    From water to air, there are a number of ways to energize your car. Alternatives to petroleum are a hot topic today. The growing concern for the environment is steadily increasing. It's an important issue that many people want to feel personally connected to. Hydrogen as a fuel source is not an entirely new idea. But science is taking a closer look at the impact that using hydrogen could have on both the environment and the economy. The best solutions are the ones that have more benefits than drawbacks.
  • MRI and Ultrasound: Two Vital Branches of Radiology - By: R Govindan
    Radiology was initially the branch of medical imaging that made use of x-rays on large flat sheets of photographic films for diagnosis. Modern day radiology is no longer confined to the practice of x-rays and now encompasses other methods of diagnostic imaging such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound.
  • Processes Involved In Blavatsky's Writings and its effects - By: Edi Bilimoria
    Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB) demonstrated the Siddhis (psychic-spiritual faculties) of clairvoyance, clairaudience, and the powers of projection, precipitation and being en rapport. These were all used in her writings on Occult science and Meta Physics which may be categorized into seven kinds of processes. We outline them below but it is emphasized that none of the above processes are miracles or supernatural
  • Biotech Development - By: Marcia Henin
    The development of Biotechnology and the affect it has in detecting Toxicity levels in the Human body.
  • Nanotechnology - Revolution in the Field of Medicine - By: Marcia Henin
    How science has learned to use Nanotechnology for bettering the process of Drug development.
  • Nanotechnology - Development in Water-Based Technology - By: Marcia Henin
    What is Nanotechnology and how does it applies in the science world - In this article, we will review some of the uses of Nanotechnology and its connection to the solubilization process.
  • The Z-Boson Mass and its Formula as Multiple Proofs in One Bowl of Yummy Pudding - By: Sean Sheeter
    A demonstration of the mathematical, theoretical and, especially, empirical connotations of the phrase "Pudding Proof" in the context of a highly exacting physical model. In particular, a formula is given deriving the mass of the Z-boson from two heavy quarks and and Higgs field. Remarkably, the precise correlation with the known value of the Z-mass is thus empirically proof positive of these far less directly measurable masses, which is further supported by arithmetic and theoretic construct.
  • The Theory, Significance and Precise Calculation of Gluino Mass - By: Sean Sheeter
    A preview of the most significant predictable particle cascades at Cern's LH-Collider in the coming years. Describes how a precise gluino mass of 6.388355 TeV relates to the super-symmetric Higgs mechanism and decays to squarks and other 'sparticles as a prerequisite to creation of 'dark mass,' as well as the unsolved puzzle of material baryon creation. Which also goes on to shows why giving three dimensionless calculations for the gluino mass are central to the e-course "241-Mumbers."
  • Derivation of the Pure Precise Fine-Structure Number and as a Ratio of Two Inexact Metric Constants - By: Sean Sheeter
    A history of a definitive answer to #1 'millennium question' of Strings 2000 in regard to whether all fundamental parameters can be determined in a dimensionless manner. Focus's on a 'pure' calculation of the fine-structure constant from a unified 'monolithic' system that allows precise equations for the full spectrum of fundamental particle masses from Higgs/SUSY to quarks, neutrinos and dark matter. With an update on controversies of determining the fine-structure from metric measures and a few other related issues.
  • Proof of the Exact Up and Down Quark Masses from the Pion Mass-Differential - By: Sean Sheeter
    A discussion of the equivalence of the mass differential between the charged and neutral pion as a function the mass difference between the down and up quark. Given the unprecedented mass value of the down quark = 7.763258 MeV, the up quark mass is calculable from the even more exacting d-u mass differential = 4.593453 MeV, where the experimental pion mass difference = 4.5936 plusmn.0005 MeV.