DNA Replication 9

Molecular source of heredity 

• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid 

• RNA: Ribonucleic acid 

•  DNA is chemical information used by cells in constructing, managing, and maintaining itself 

  • The next generation of cells will be structurally and physiologically like the previous generation.

  • It is malleable 

•  DNA cannot self-replicate

•  Before a cell divides to form two new daughter cells, it will need to duplicate all of its DNA molecules so that each new cell is assured the correct amount of chemical instructions to live and, potentially one day, reproduce

  • In order to duplicate this molecule will need to separate the two stands so that enzymes can access the individual strands, duplicate these strands, and then prepare them to be separated during a division process.