WHO DID THE DISCOVERY OF DNA STRUCTURE?

James Watson and Francis Crick proposed/discovered the structure of DNA in 1953

WHAT IS DNA?
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the most important code in our body. It
contains units of biological building blocks called nucleotides.
DNA is very important molecule for not only humans but also for most other organisms. DNA
contains our hereditary material and our genes that makes us unique. It acts like an instructional
manual telling our bodies how to develop and function.

WHERE IS DNA FOUND?

DNA is in every cell of every living thing. It’s found within the chromosomes of the cell. It is
located within the nucleus of the cell

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF DNA?

Inside a cell, DNA is a two-stranded molecule that appears twisted or intertwine, giving it a
unique shape referred to as double stranded helix is also called B-form DNA
Here, each strand is a polynucleotide, meaning the strand is made up of many individual units
called nucleotides. Double stranded helix basically demonstrates that DNA is a polymer,
basically a molecule which is consisting of many repeating units which are known as monomers.
In the DNA, the monomaniac units which from DNA are known as nucleotides
DIAGRAM Basic structure of dna
Each nucleotides has 3 structure:
- A phosphate molecule/group
- A sugar molecule called deoxyribose, containing 5 carbons
- A nitrogen base
The sugar in DNA is called 2-deoxyribose. These sugar molecules alternate with the phosphate
groups, making up the “backbone” of the DNA strand.
 Each sugar in a nucleotide has a nitrogen base attached to it. They are basically molecules
that contain nitrogen in varying amounts and they act as a base.
 Human body contains organic chemicals that contain Carbons (C), Hydrogen (H), and
Oxygen (O) in varying amounts.
 There are four different types of nitrogen bases in DNA. They include:
- adenine (A)
- cytosine (C)
- guanine (G)
- thymine (T)
 The order of these four bases forms the genetic code, which is the instructions for life.

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  In nitrogenous bases Nitrogen (N) combines all of these bases to form ring like
structures. These molecules are called Bases because they donate electrons to other
molecules and form new molecules in this process.
 The nitrogen combines with all of this with other atoms to form ring structures.
 We have 2 different types of ring structures: Single rings and Double rings.
 Single rings are called pyrimidines. In DNA, we have Thymine and Cytosine
 The double rings are called Purines. Here in DNA we have Adenine and Guanine
DIAGRAM RINGS
 RINGS OF ATGC (INCLUDE OR NOT?)

 The chemical structure of Purines (Adenine and Guanine) are larger and stronger due to
the double rings as compared to Pyrimidines (Thymine and Cytosine) which are smaller
and weaker due to single ring.

 The difference in their size of bases are very important as it helps compare this bases in
the structure of DNA properly.

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, is a complex molecule that serves as the fundamental
building block of life. Its structure was proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953,
marking a milestone in the field of genetics.
Here, each strand is a polynucleotide, meaning the strand is made up of many individual units
called nucleotides. Double stranded helix basically demonstrates that

2. **Nucleotides**
DNA is a polymer, basically a molecule which is consisting of many repeating units which are
known as monomers. In the DNA, the monomaniac units which from DNA are known as
nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a
phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
DIAGRAM Basic structure of DNA
These 3 groups are attached to one another by bonds.
3. **Sugar-Phosphate Backbone**
The sugar and phosphate molecules form the backbone of the DNA molecule. This backbone
provides structural stability to the molecule and allows for the attachment of the nitrogenous
bases.

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4. **Nitrogenous Bases**
There are four types of nitrogenous bases found in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine
(C), and guanine (G). These bases pair up in specific combinations: A with T and C with G,
forming complementary base pairs.

5. **Base Pairing**
Adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine pairs with guanine
through three hydrogen bonds. This complementary base pairing is crucial for the replication and
transmission of genetic information.

6. **Double Helix Structure**

The DNA molecule is structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder. The two
strands of the helix run antiparallel to each other, with the nitrogenous bases forming the rungs
of the ladder and the sugar-phosphate backbones forming the sides.

7. **Antiparallel Strands**
In the double helix structure, the two DNA strands run in opposite directions. One strand runs
5' to 3', while the other runs 3' to 5'. This antiparallel orientation is essential for the replication
and transcription of DNA.

8. **Major and Minor Grooves**

The double helix structure of DNA creates major and minor grooves in the molecule. These
grooves provide access points for proteins and enzymes involved in processes such as
transcription and DNA binding.

9. **Supercoiling**
DNA can undergo supercoiling, where the double helix twists upon itself to form a more
compact structure. Supercoiling plays a role in regulating gene expression and maintaining the
integrity of the DNA molecule.

10. **Conclusion**

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 The structure of DNA is a masterpiece of molecular architecture, showcasing the intricate
interplay of nucleotides, base pairing, and the double helix. Understanding the structure of DNA
is fundamental to unraveling the mysteries of genetics and heredity.