DNA and RNA: structure, genetic material, and replication

Apuntes

[Diapositiva 1] Unit Four: Genetics [Diapositiva 2] 4.1. The genetic materials Study of the genetic materials of organisms and how traits are passed from one generation to the next generation through genes is called genetics . The genetic material of an organism refers to material that carry genetic information and passes it from one generation to the next generation to perpetuate life. The genetic material in almost all organisms is DNA. RNA is also a genetic material in some viruses like HIV, COVID-19. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in humans and other organisms. It exists in a double helix formed by base pairs attached to a sugar-phosphate backbone. RNA (ribonucleic acid) serves as the genetic codes in some viruses. It is involved in protein synthesis in cells [Diapositiva 3] 4.2. The structure and function of DNA and RNA Both DNA and RNA have their own structures and important role in determining the characteristics of organisms. 4.2.1. The Structure and function of DNA The structure of DNA The structure of DNA is a ladder-like double helix twisted into a spiral shape, in which the sugar and phosphate groups form the two vertical ladder and the nitrogeno...