Comprehensive Notes on DNA and RNA Structure and Function

Introduction to Nucleic Acids

• DNA forms a two-stranded double helix.
• Single-stranded RNA can fold back on itself to form short stretches of double helical RNA.
• DNA's Dual Nature:
  • Chemically stable, making it a reliable store for genetic information.
  • Dynamic, as its two strands can be separated easily.
  • This separation enables sequence-specific processes like transcription (gene copied into RNA) and DNA replication (whole genome is made anew).
• Central Theory of Biology:
  • Describes the flow of information: DNA
    ightarrow RNA
    ightarrow Proteins.
  • Genetic information is stored in DNA.
  • Small stretches of DNA code are copied into RNA.
  • RNA is then translated into corresponding proteins.
  • This theory is fundamental to understanding an organism's genotype, phenotype, and fitness.

Nucleic Acids as Linear Codes

• Similar to other linear codes (e.g., sheet music, written languages, Morse code), DNA is a linear sequence.
• DNA is