The full form of DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid. DNA physical unit is a collection of molecules, which is passed on to the next generation on the basis of the inherited properties of the ancestors from generation to generation. The fundamental basis of the structure of all living beings is based on DNA. It is also called the primary unit of heredity. In today’s article, we will discuss in detail about the discovery, structure and function of DNA.
What is DNA ?
In the previous section itself we have come across DNA. DNA is a collection of physical units of life, which complement the transmission of hereditary characteristics from ancestors to the next generation. The DNA code of all living beings is unique. A newborn’s DNA is determined half from its father and half from its mother. In a way, it is passed on to the next generation like a legacy.
When and how was DNA discovered?
The first credit for the discovery of DNA is given to the Swiss biologist, Johann Friedrich Miescher, who discovered it in 1869 . But there were two more faces behind the discovery of DNA, who discovered DNA on the basis of experimental data and observed their structure. After which he was awarded the Best Scientific Award “Nobel Prize” in 1962 for giving a new direction to the world of genetic science.
Types of DNA
There are three types of DNA:
- A-DNA: Like B-DNA, A-DNA is helix to the right. It protects DNA under difficult conditions.
- B-DNA: The commonly found DNA is B-DNA . This DNA is coiled to the right. It is formed according to physical conditions.
- Z-DNA: This type of DNA is on the left side. This DNA is also helpful in determining the origin of genes.
Structure of DNA- ( Structures of DNA ):
All the information in DNA is stored in the four chemical bases of adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. There are about 3 billion bases in the human body and more than 99% of the bases are the same in all people. All these components look like a spiral staircase
are attached to DNA.
Important functions of DNA:
Following are the main functions of DNA:-
- The genetic material found in living organisms is DNA, which is transmitted through heredity.
- The information needed to build cells is stored in DNA.
- Mistakes made during cell division are a major cause of genetic problems.
- DNA fingerprinting method can be used to produce DNA that looks exactly the same.
- Replication Process: Transfer of genetic information from one cell to other smaller cells and the uniform division of DNA during cell division is the process of replication.
Mutation: Change in DNA or its structures and ladder-like winding chain is called mutation.
Transcription:
- cellular metabolism
- DNA finger prints
- copying
- uniform distribution of cells
- gene therapy
DNA is generally found in the form of chromosomes. The set of chromosomes in a cell constitute the genome. Human genome is made up of about 23 pairs i.e. 46 chromosomes. There are about 3 billion pairs of DNA in the 46 chromosomes.
Some interesting facts about DNA:
- DNA can never be destroyed, it is transferred from generation to generation.
- Mutation is possible from ultraviolet rays coming from the sun. Genetic change is possible only due to changes in DNA.
- You will be surprised to know that 700 terabytes of information can be stored in 1 gram of DNA.
- DNA takes up 0.009 micrometres of space in each cell.
conclusion:
DNA is a precious creation of nature, which complements the origin and existence of organisms .
