• Name:- Bodhisattwa Mahata
• Collage Name:- Mallabhum
Institute of Technology
• Roll No:- 15801323008
• Subject:- Biology for Engineers
• Subject Code:- CE(BS)301
• Topic:- DNA Structure
• DNA Structure
The Structure of DNA
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the fundamental building block of life,
containing the genetic instructions that guide the development and function
of all living organisms. This presentation will explore the key elements that
make up the structure of DNA.
DNA Discovery
Milestones
1 1869
Miescher isolates nuclein (DNA).
2 1953
Watson & Crick propose the double helix.
3 1962
Nobel Prize awarded for DNA
discoveries.
Chemical Composition of DNA
Nucleotides Backbone
DNA is composed of units called nucleotides, each containing The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the structural
a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous framework, with the nitrogenous bases protruding inward.
bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine.
The Double Helix Structure
1 Two Strands 2 Twisting Ladder
DNA exists as a double helix, The strands are twisted into a
with two complementary spiral, resembling a twisted
strands running in opposite ladder.
directions.
3 Uniform Width
The distance between the two strands is uniform, due to the
consistent base pairing.
Nitrogenous Bases and Base
Pairing
Adenine (A) Cytosine (C)
Pairs with thymine (T) through Pairs with guanine (G) through
two hydrogen bonds. three hydrogen bonds.
Complementary Pairing
The base pairing is complementary, with A always paired with T, and C
always paired with G.
Complementary Base Pairing
A-T Pairing C-G Pairing
Adenine (A) forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine (T). Cytosine (C) forms three hydrogen bonds with guanine (G).
This complementary base pairing is crucial for the stability and replication of the DNA molecule.
Phosphate-Sugar Backbone
Sugar-Phosphate Links Directionality
The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the structural The backbone has a distinct 5' and 3' directionality, which
framework of the DNA molecule. is important for DNA replication and transcription.
Functions of DNA
Genetic Information Replication
Storage
DNA can replicate itself,
DNA stores the genetic ensuring the accurate
instructions that guide the transmission of genetic
development and function of all information to new cells during
living organisms. cell division.
Protein Synthesis
The genetic code in DNA is used to direct the synthesis of proteins, the
fundamental building blocks of life.
DNA Replication
1 Unwinding
The DNA double helix unwinds, breaking the hydrogen
bonds between the base pairs.
2 Complementary Synthesis
New complementary strands are synthesized, using the
original strands as templates.
3 Semi-Conservative Replication
The result is two identical DNA molecules, each with one
original and one new strand.
Mutations and Genetic Diversity
Genetic Variations Evolutionary Potential
DNA mutations, such as base substitutions, insertions, or Genetic diversity allows organisms to adapt to changing
deletions, contribute to genetic diversity within a population. environmental conditions, driving the process of evolution.
While most mutations are neutral or harmful, some can be beneficial, leading to new traits and increased adaptability.
