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The molecules of heredity refer to the genetic components responsible for passing
on traits from one generation to the next. These molecules are primarily composed
of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Heredity
involves the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.
Offspring inherit a combination of genes from both parents, which determines their
unique traits.
These traits, which can encompass physical characteristics and biochemical
features, are influenced by the genes found within an individual's chromosomes.
Chromosomes
are thread-like structures found in the cell's nucleus that play a critical role in
hereditary information transfer.
They were historically believed by biologists to be the primary location for
genetic information transmission.
Humans typically have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), and each chromosome contains
numerous genes.
The chromosomes are responsible for packaging and organizing the genetic
information.
Histones
are special proteins that help maintain the stability and accessibility of DNA
during various cellular processes, such as replication and gene expression.
Nucleic Acids
primarily referring to DNA and RNA, are the fundamental molecules carrying genetic
information.
Genes
are fundamental units of hereditary information located within DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid).
They serve as the blueprint for the production of proteins, which, in turn, play a
significant role in determining both external and internal traits.
Protein-Coding Genes
Many genes are responsible for coding proteins.
These genes provide the instructions for the synthesis of specific proteins that
play essential roles in the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs.
Non-Protein-Coding Genes
However, not all genes lead to protein production.
Some genes are involved in producing various types of RNA molecules.
Nucleotides
are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids, which include DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Each nucleotide is a molecule consisting of three main
DNA
contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
is the primary nucleic acid involved in heredity.
RNA
plays a role in processes like protein synthesis.
Nitrogenous Base
is one of the three essential components of a nucleotide, which is the basic
building block of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
Nitrogenous bases are crucial because they carry the genetic information within
these molecules. There are two main types of nitrogenous bases:
Heterocyclic aromatic amines
are a group of chemical compounds that contain both a heterocyclic (containing
atoms other than carbon in the ring structure) and an aromatic (ring-like)
structure, along with an amino group (-NH2) attached to the ring.
Purines
are larger, double-ringed nitrogenous bases. In both DNA and RNA, there are two
purines:
 - Adenine (A): Adenine pairs with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA) in nucleic
acid base pairing.
- Guanine (G): Guanine pairs with cytosine in nucleic acid base pairing.
Pyrimidines
are smaller, single-ringed nitrogenous bases. In DNA and RNA, there are three
pyrimidines:
- Thymine (T): Thymine is found in DNA and pairs with adenine.
- Uracil (U): Uracil is found in RNA and pairs with adenine.
- Cytosine (C): Cytosine is present in both DNA and RNA and pairs with guanine.
Sugars
The sugar molecule in a nucleotide serves as the structural backbone of the nucleic
acid chain. There are two different types of sugars found in nucleotides:
Deoxyribose
It is a five-carbon sugar.
Deoxyribose has one fewer oxygen atom compared to ribose, which is the sugar found
in RNA. Deoxyribose forms a stable structure that is suitable for the long-term
storage of genetic information in the form of DNA.
Ribose
is the sugar found in the nucleotides of RNA.
It is also a five-carbon sugar but contains an additional oxygen atom compared to
deoxyribose.
This extra oxygen atom makes ribose slightly more reactive and is well-suited for
its role in various cellular processes in RNA, which often involves short-lived
intermediates.
Guanosine
is a nucleoside, which is a molecule consisting of a nitrogenous base (in this
case, guanine) and a sugar (ribose).
It is an important component of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and plays a significant role
in various biological processes.
Phosphate Groups
in nucleotides are integral to the structure and function of nucleic acids.
They form the backbone of the nucleic acid chain, facilitate nucleotide linkage,
store energy, and play regulatory roles in various cellular processes.
Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate (ATP)
is a molecule that stores and transfers energy in living organisms.
It consists of adenosine (adenine and ribose) and three phosphate groups.