PHYSIOLOGY
Structure Of DNA
Introduction: What is a DNA ?
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid is a long polymer that is
responsible for the storage and transmission of
genetic information in all living organisms. It
consists of a specific sequence of nucleotides that
determine the code of inheritance.
, Structural Elements of DNA : A molecule
of DNA comprises the following structural elements:
a. Nucleotides : This is the basic unit of DNA. It
consists of three components:
1 Deoxyribose Sugar: A five-carbon sugar with a
hydroxyl group missing at the second carbon atom.
2. Phosphate Group: This is a negatively charged
group that combines nucleotides through the
establishment of phosphodiester bonds
3. Nitrogenous Base: It is a molecule that contains
nitrogen, and may be of one of four types: Purines:
Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) (double-ring structure).
Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T)
(single-ring structure)
B Backbone : Sugar and phosphate groups form the
backbone of DNA and provide structural support.
This backbone is held together by covalent
phosphodiester bonds
Structure Of DNA
Introduction: What is a DNA ?
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid is a long polymer that is
responsible for the storage and transmission of
genetic information in all living organisms. It
consists of a specific sequence of nucleotides that
determine the code of inheritance.
, Structural Elements of DNA : A molecule
of DNA comprises the following structural elements:
a. Nucleotides : This is the basic unit of DNA. It
consists of three components:
1 Deoxyribose Sugar: A five-carbon sugar with a
hydroxyl group missing at the second carbon atom.
2. Phosphate Group: This is a negatively charged
group that combines nucleotides through the
establishment of phosphodiester bonds
3. Nitrogenous Base: It is a molecule that contains
nitrogen, and may be of one of four types: Purines:
Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) (double-ring structure).
Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T)
(single-ring structure)
B Backbone : Sugar and phosphate groups form the
backbone of DNA and provide structural support.
This backbone is held together by covalent
phosphodiester bonds
