DNA and Protein Synthesis: DNA structure 2025

Deoxyribose

Sugar that helps make up the backbone of DNA

Adenine

base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine or uracil

Thymine

base found in DNA only; pairs with adenine

Cytosine

base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with guanine

Guanine

base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with cytosine

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

molecule that stores and transmits genetic information and controls the functioning of cells

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme that pairs up complementary DNA bases in DNA replication

Helicase

Enzyme that “unzips” the DNA molecules

Gene

Segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait

Chromosome

Rod-shaped structure that carries genetic information from one generation to the next

Double helix

the shape of DNA that resembles a spiral staircase or a twisted ladder

hydrogen bond

Type of bond found between the bases that connect together across the center of a DNA molecule

base sequence

the order of bases on a chain of DNA