DNA Molecule
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
DNA is the molecule which stores the genetic information in nearly all living organisms. It forms long linear molecules of two intertwined chains called a double helix.
In almost all life forms DNA is organised in Chromosomes which are located in the nucleus of the cells in our bodies. Proteins are the main family of molecules from which the human body is built & DNA acts a template for protein synthesis.
Atom
The smallest particle of an element which can exist as a stable entity.
Nucleus
of Protons & Neutrons
Molecule
2 or more atoms chemically combine to form molecules. The atoms may be of the same element - a molecule of atmospheric oxygen consists of 2 oxygen atoms (O2).
Compounds
Molecules that contain more than 1 type of atom - water contains 2 hydrogen atoms & 1 oxygen atom (H2O). There is a vast range of molecules in the body, of which the most important are Carbohydrates, Amino acids & proteins, Lipids, Enzymes & Nucleotides.
4 Electron shells
H
Hydrogen
Hydrogen
H
O
Oxygen
Cells
The smallest independent units of living matter. They group together to form the tissues & organs of the body. Each cell type has become specialised to carry out particular functions that contribute towards the body's needs.
Nucleus
Every cell in the body has a nucleus (central part), except mature red blood cells. Nucleii contains proteins & DNA, the body's genetic material which directs the activities of the cell.
Organelles
Cell cytoplasm
Nucleus
of proteins
& DNA
Nucleotides
Nucleotide molecules consist of 3 subunits linked together: a sugar unit called deoxyribose, 1 or more phosphate groups & 1 of 4 types of bases, which are substances that binds hydrogen ions.
Nucleic acids are the largest molecules in the body & are built from nucleotide molecules.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
This molecule is a double strand of nucleotides arranged in a spiral (helix) which resembles a twisted ladder.
The organisation of the double helix is a complex and sturdy structure. Each DNA strand is composed of a sequence of bases connected on the outside to the sugar molecules. These sugars, in turn, are interconnected by phosphate groups.
On the inside, the bases are connected to bases on the other side of the strand by non-covalent hydrogen bonds. These weak bonds allow the two strands to safely break apart.
The most important constituents of the DNA molecule are the 4 different bases which are adenine A, cytosine C, guanine G and thymine T.
DNA
Nucleotide
Nucleotide
4 types
of bases
Hydrogen
bonds
...
ATCGs
AUCGs
RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
A single stranded chain of nucleotides which contains the sugar ribose. When cells require new protein RNA is made using DNA as the template. RNA leaves the nucleaus & acts as a messenger carrying instructions for the assembly of the new protein.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are clusters of DNA molecules which consist of functional subunits called genes or genetic material.
There are 23 paired chromosomes in a human body. These little bundles of data carry all the genetic information needed to make a complete person.
Gene
The functional sub-unit of a DNA molecule. A gene is made up of numerous nucleotides; series of dozens to thousands of the bases consist of coding & regulatory parts.
In the coding parts, the bases are organised in triplets, groups of three that form the genetic code. Each triplet may be translated into an amino acid of a protein.
In human reproduction the chromosomes pass inherited characteristics on to the next generation.
Nitrogeneous
Bases
Base pair
Sugar phosphate backbone
RNA
Ribonucleic acid
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Genetics
Genetics is the study of how an individual's characteristics are inherited.
We talk of a genetic disease when the code of a gene is changed in such a way that the coded protein
cannot be produced properly any more. If this protein has an essential role in the metabolism or working of a cell, its non-production can be lethal or can stop some very specific physiological process in the cell or in the body, for example, causing Down's Syndrome, when there are 24 paired chromosomes in the human body, instead of the ususal 23 pairs.
To find out more about DNA, Chromosomes & Genetics
DNA in Ayurveda - Prakruti (Natural Constitution)
TM
A Natural Health Resource
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