DNA Research Paper

DNA is a nucleic acid that is basis of genetic information. It is like a set of instructions for our bodies and genetic codes. DNA has many different components that make it up such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phospurous. The structure has two long polymers of a simple unit called nucleotides. Holding the back of the structure is sugar and phosphate which are attached by ester bonds. Bonded to each sugar is 4 different types of molecules called bases. The backbone of the dna is where the genetic information is stored.

The code is read by copying stretches of DNA into the related nucleic acid RNA, in a process called transcription. Properties in DNA once put together make the structure scientists see under the microscope discovered by James D Watson. The structure is two helical chains coiled around the same axis. It’s two long strands twirl around like vines on each other in the shape of a double helix. The nucleotide repeats which is a base linked to sugar and one or more phosphate. The back bone of most DNA strand is made form is made from phosphate and sugar resides.

Phosphate is a inorganic chemical that is a sale of phosphoric acid they are mined to obtain phosphorous that is used in agriculture. The sugar in dna is 2 deoxyribose which is pentose which is a 5 carbon sugar. Many bonds hold the dna together such as hydrogen bonds, and phosphodiester bonds. And the four bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. The bases attach to the sugar/phosphate which when attached make up a nucleotide. DNA plays a dramatic role in todays society such as paternity tests, criminal investigations, and genetic engineering.

A forensic scientist can test blood, semen, skin, saliva, or hair found at any crime scene to solve crimes committed. When used for genetic engineering manipulation of the DNA is used and therefore synthetic genes are made and put into things such as food or animals. Genetically modified food has been on the market since 1994. An insulin producing bacteria produced since 1982. This simple yet complicated acid plays important roles from being copied to cure a disease. From holding genetic information Like a CPU for you body. Or solving a murder case. I can honestly say before doing this report I had no idea really what DNA was.