DNA As the Genetic Material of All living Organisms

The 4 Biomolecules upon which life is based:

• [ ] Carbohydrates
• [ ] Lipids
• [ ] Proteins
• [ ] Nucleic Acids

DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid

The Information Stored in DNA has 2 functions

1. To Pass Information Between Generations / Inheritance: Through the process of DNA replication, the information stored between generations is passed on to the next, which gives DNA the name, THE MOLECULE OF HEREDITY
   1. Code for Protein Production: The sequence of nitrogenous bases (ATGC) in nucleic acids (DNA) forms a CODE with CODONS that codes for protein synthesis in the process of gene expression

Types of Nucleic Acids:

1. DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACIDS) - Codes for RNA during transcription in protein synthesis and is the molecule of heredity that passes on genetic information
2. RNA (RIBONUCLEIC ACIDS)- Codons / RNA is like the computer scientist of the body, it CODES for making proteins in protein synthesis. Three RNA types are mRna, rRna, and tRNA. Nitrogenous bases or nucleotides come together to form CODES that RNA, the computer scientist, will interpret and carry out the codes and synthesise the correct amino acids for it

DNA:

• DNA is the genetic material of all life on earth, validated by the Hershey Chase Experiment
• DNA is universal to life, and all living organisms on earth today use DNA as their genetic material, which is evidence of the universal common ancestry of life
• Viruses do NOT have DNA, and instead use RNA, which is why we do not consider RNA living

Components of a Nucleotide

• Nucleic acids are chains of nucleotides that combine in what’s known as a condensation reaction. The nucleotide is considered the “monomer” of the nucleic acid “polymer”. AKA, it’s building blocks.
• Nucleotides are made of nitrogenous bases (ATGC), One Pentose Sugar, and One Phosphate Group (only includes one nitrogenous base)
• These nucleotides will pair up across the strands via hydrogen bonding between their nitrogenous bases: