Structure

of DNA
An Introduction to the Function
and Characteristics of DNA
Lesson Outline

Discovery of DNA

Function of DNA

Characteristics of DNA
 DNA in Forensic Science

Crime Scene
Sample Suspect 1 Suspect 2 Suspect 3

Locus 1

Locus 2

Locus 3
 Learning Outcomes

Name the scientists who discovered DNA's structure.

Cite the characteristics of DNA.

Explain the primary function of DNA.

 THE DISCOVERY

James Watson and

Francis Crick
In 1953, they concluded that the
DNA molecule appears as a
three-dimensional double helix.

Rosalind Franklin
and Maurice Wilkins
They used X-ray crystallography
to study DNA's structure, which
helped Watson and Crick with
their discovery.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DNA

DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Made of nucleotide monomers

DNA Double Helix

Consists of two nucleotide chains
Each nucleotide consists of a
sugar molecule, a phosphate
group, and a nitrogen-containing
base
 CHARACTERISTICS OF DNA

Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases hold DNA's two polynucleotide chains.

Base Pairs

Adenine (A) bonds with thymine (T).

Cytosine (C) bonds with guanine (G).

Did You Know?
The sequence or order of the
bases in a specific DNA strand is
related to the expression of
specific traits and qualities.

For example, the sequence GTC

ATT might be responsible for
curly brown hair, while GTC AAT
might be responsible for straight
black hair.
Did You Know?
The sequence or order of the
bases in a specific DNA strand is
related to the expression of
specific traits and qualities.

For example, the sequence GTC

ATT might be responsible for
curly brown hair, while GTC AAT
might be responsible for straight
black hair.
 FUNCTION OF DNA

It stores genetic information necessary for

organisms to develop, survive, and reproduce.

Damage to DNA may cause cells to stop

dividing, cell death, or become malignant.
 SUMMARY

DNA Characteristics
The Discovery DNA is made of nucleotide monomers.
The double-helical The four bases are adenosine, thymine,
model came from cytosine, and guanine.
the combined work
of Watson, Crick,
Franklin, and Wilkins.
DNA Function
DNA stores an organism's genetic information.
 ASSIGNMENT

How does DNA replication occur?

Use a graphic organizer to show
the step-by-step process.
 REFERENCE

CK-12. "DNA Structure and Replication."

Retrieved November 30, 2022 from
https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-
flexbook-2.0/section/4.3/primary/lesson/dna-
structure-and-replication-bio/#modality-title
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