Science Report-Biology

DNA
SCIENCE REPORT-BIOLOGY
Nazahat | Science | 9A
Contents
− What is DNA?
− DNA structure
− DNA discovery
− DNA sequencing
− DNA testing
− Genes
− Chromosomes
− DNA replication
− DNA transcription
− RNA
− Types of RNA
− Protein synthesis
PAGE 1
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a molecule that contains the instructions for an

organism complete necessary functions, such as to develop, live and reproduce. Nearly
every cell in a person’s body
has the same DNA. Most DNA
is located in the cell nucleus
(where it is called nuclear
DNA), but a small amount of
DNA can also be found in the
mitochondria. Forensic
scientists use DNA profiles to
help solve crimes.
DNA structure
DNA is formed as a structure

called a double helix, which is
made up of phosphate and
sugar on the sides, with bases
as rungs. DNA is made up of
nucleotides. Each nucleotide
contains a phosphate group, a
sugar group and a nitrogen
base. The four types of
nitrogen bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). The order of
these bases is what determines DNA's instructions, or genetic code.
DNA discovery
DNA was first observed in 1869 by a German biochemist named Frederich Miescher. For
many years, researchers did not realize the importance of this molecule, until 1953 when
James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin figured out the
structure of DNA, which they realized could carry biological information.
PAGE 2
DNA sequencing
DNA sequencing is technology that allows researchers to determine the order of bases in
a DNA sequence. The technology can be used to determine the order of bases in genes,
chromosomes, or an entire genome. The first full sequence of the human genome was
created in 2000.
DNA testing
A person's DNA contains information about their heritage, and can sometimes reveal
whether they are at risk for certain diseases. DNA tests, or genetic tests, are used for a
variety of reasons, including to diagnose genetic disorders, to determine whether a person
is a carrier of a genetic mutation that they could pass on to their children, and to examine
whether a person is at risk for a genetic disease.
Genes
A gene is made up of DNA, and is the basic function of heredity. Some genes act as
instructions to make molecules called proteins. However, many genes do not code for
proteins.
Every person inherits one gene from each parents, and most genes are the same in all
people. Alleles are forms of the same gene with small differences in their sequence of
DNA bases. These small differences contribute to each person’s unique physical features.
Genes are kept track of using unique names.
PAGE 3
Chromosomes
DNA molecules are so long that they can't fit into cells without the right packaging. DNA
is coiled tightly to form structures we call chromosomes in order to fit inside cells. Each
chromosome contains a single DNA molecule. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes,
which are found inside the cell's nucleus.
DNA replication
An important property of DNA is that it can replicate, or make copies of itself. Each
strand of DNA in the double helix can serve as a pattern for duplicating the sequence of
bases. This is critical when cells divide because each new cell needs to have an exact
copy of the DNA present in the old cell.
DNA transcription
DNA transcription involves copying a gene's DNA sequence to make an RNA molecule.
Transcription involves copying a gene's DNA sequence to make an RNA molecule.
Transcription is controlled separately for each gene in your genome.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid, or RNA is an important biological macromolecule that functions to

convert the genetic information encoded by DNA into proteins. DNA contains the nucleic
acid deoxyribose, whereas RNA
has the nucleic acid ribose. The
nucleotides that comprise RNA
are the same as of DNA,
however, it contains uracil
instead of thymine, which also
pairs with adenine.
Types of RNA
PAGE 4
There are 4 types of RNA, each with different functions:
mRNA (Messenger RNA): They encode the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide.
tRNA (Transfer RNA): They bring amino acids to ribosomes during translation.
rRNA (Ribosomal RNA): They make up the ribosomes along with the ribosomal
proteins, which are the organelles that translate the mRNA.
snRNA (Small nuclear RNA): They form complexes with proteins that are used in RNA
processing in eukaryotes.
Protein synthesis
Protein synthesis is a complex process that begins with adequate supplies of amino acids
to charge the transfer RNA molecules that deliver them to the protein synthetic apparatus.
PAGE 5
Sources
Rettner, Rachael. “DNA: Definition, Structure & Discovery.” LiveScience, Purch, 7 Dec.
2017, www.livescience.com/37247-dna.html.
“What Is DNA? - BBC Bitesize.” BBC News, BBC, 9 Jan. 2019,

www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/zvwbcj6.
“What Is DNA? - Genetics Home Reference - NIH.” U.S. National Library of Medicine,
National Institutes of Health, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/dna.
“What Is a Chromosome? - Genetics Home Reference - NIH.” U.S. National Library of

Medicine, National Institutes of Health,
ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/chromosome.
“What Is a Gene? - Genetics Home Reference - NIH.” U.S. National Library of Medicine,
National Institutes of Health, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/gene.
Cuffari, Benedette. “What Is RNA?” News, 7 Feb. 2019, www.news-medical.net/life-

sciences/What-is-RNA.aspx.
“BioCoach Activity.” Pearson - The Biology Place,

www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/transcription/difgns.html.
“Protein Synthesis.” Protein Synthesis - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics,

www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/protein-synthesis.
“Overview of Transcription.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy,

www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/gene-expression-central-
dogma/transcription-of-dna-into-rna/a/overview-of-transcription.
PAGE 6
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DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a molecule that contains the instructions for an

DNA is formed as a structure

Ribonucleic acid, or RNA is an important biological macromolecule that functions to

“What Is DNA? - BBC Bitesize.” BBC News, BBC, 9 Jan. 2019,

“What Is a Chromosome? - Genetics Home Reference - NIH.” U.S. National Library of

Cuffari, Benedette. “What Is RNA?” News, 7 Feb. 2019, www.news-medical.net/life-

“BioCoach Activity.” Pearson - The Biology Place,

“Protein Synthesis.” Protein Synthesis - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics,

“Overview of Transcription.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy,

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