DNA

What does DNA contain that is unique to every individual?

A code unique to every individual.

How much of human DNA is common among individuals?

99.9% of human DNA is common among individuals.

What is the 0.1% of DNA responsible for?

It gives differentiating features such as hair colour and eye colour.

What are the three components of a nucleotide?

A nitrogen base, a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), and a phosphate molecule.

What are the four nitrogen bases that make up DNA?

Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T).

What is the structure formed when nucleotides join together?

A long polynucleotide chain (nucleic acid).

What forms the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA?

The sugar of one nucleotide joins to the phosphate of the next nucleotide.

What shape does DNA take?

A double helix shape.

How can the DNA double helix be visualized?

As a twisted ladder.

Which bases pair together in DNA?

Adenosine pairs with Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (G-C).

What ensures proper spacing between DNA strands?

A large base (A or G) always bonds to a small base (T or C).

What are the two vital properties of DNA molecules?

DNA can replicate itself and carry information.

How can DNA replicate itself?

If two strands unwind, each can be used to make a new DNA molecule.

What does the order of nitrogen bases along a DNA strand code for?

It codes for making proteins.