Structure of

DNA
An Introduction to the
Function
and Characteristics of DNA
 Lesson Outline

Discovery of DNA

Function of DNA

Characteristics of DNA
 DNA in Forensic Science

Crime Scene
Sample Suspect 1 Suspect 2 Suspect 3 DNA fingerprinting is an essential tool
Locus 1
in forensic science. It does not
precisely determine the suspect's
identity but helps narrow it down.
Locus 2

Which suspect's DNA closely matches

the sample from the crime scene?
Locus 3
 Learning Outcomes

Name the scientists who discovered DNA's structure.

Cite the characteristics of DNA.

Explain the primary function of DNA.

James Watson and
Francis Crick
THE DISCOVERY
In 1953, they concluded that the DNA
molecule appears as a three-
dimensional double helix.

Rosalind Franklin and

Maurice Wilkins
They used X-ray crystallography to
study DNA's structure, which helped
Watson and Crick with their
discovery.
DNA
CHARACTERISTICS OF
• Deoxyribonucleic
DNA acid
• Made of nucleotide monomers

DNA Double Helix

• Consists of two nucleotide chains
• Each nucleotide consists of a sugar
molecule, a phosphate group, and a
nitrogen-containing base
Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases hold DNA's two polynucleotide chains.

CHARACTERISTICS OF
DNA Base Pairs

Adenine (A) bonds with thymine (T).

Cytosine (C) bonds with guanine (G).

 Did You Know?
The sequence or order of the bases in a
specific DNA strand is related to the
expression of specific traits and
qualities.

For example, the sequence GTC ATT

might be responsible for curly brown
hair, while GTC AAT might be
responsible for straight black hair.
 FUNCTION OF
It stores genetic information necessary for organisms to
DNAsurvive, and reproduce.
develop,

Damage to DNA may cause cells to stop dividing, cell

death, or become malignant.
 DNA Characteristics
The Discovery SUMMARY
DNA is made of nucleotide monomers.
The double-helical The four bases are adenosine, thymine,
model came from the cytosine, and guanine.
combined work of
Watson, Crick, Franklin,
and Wilkins.
DNA Function
DNA stores an organism's genetic information.
How does
ASSIGNMENT DNA replication occur? Use
a graphic organizer to show the step-
by-step process.
 CK-12. "DNA Structure and Replication." Retrieved
November REFERENCE
30, 2022 from
https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-
flexbook-2.0/section/4.3/primary/lesson/dna-structure-
and-replication-bio/#modality-title
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