Describe the structural features of a DNA strand.

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter9: Molecular Biology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 13CTQ: Describe the structure and complementary base pairing of DNA.
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Describe the structural features of a DNA strand.

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Biomolecules are the compounds that are necessary for different biological processes occurring in a cell. These compounds may include large molecules like lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and proteins or small molecules like primary and secondary metabolites. Biomolecules are generally synthesized in the body of an organism only but some organisms may also require biomolecules in their diet also.

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DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a type of biomolecule. It is a polymer of deoxyribonucleotides connected together via phosphodiester bond. A deoxyribonucleotide molecule contains a nitrogenous base (adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine), a phosphate group and a 2’ deoxy ribose sugar. The sugar moiety is connected to the base via glycosidic bond and to the phosphate group via ester bond. A DNA molecule acts as the genetic material of organisms that holds information of structure and functions of a cell. The DNA molecule is passed down from one generation to the next during reproduction.

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