Nucleotides are the basic pieces that make up DNA. Understanding how they work is important for learning about genetics in AP Biology.
Each nucleotide has three parts:
There are four types of nitrogen bases in DNA:
When nucleotides connect, they create long chains through a process called dehydration synthesis. This results in something called a sugar-phosphate backbone.
You can think of this backbone like a ladder. The phosphate and sugar molecules are the sides of the ladder, while the nitrogen bases are the rungs.
These rungs pair up in a specific way:
This special pairing is called complementary base pairing. It helps make sure that genetic information is copied correctly when cells divide.
The shape of DNA is known as a double helix, which looks like a twisted ladder. This shape protects the genetic material and helps it fit nicely inside the cell's nucleus.
In the end, the order of these nucleotides holds the information needed for inheritance. This influences traits and characteristics that get passed down through generations. That's why nucleotides are so important for life!
Nucleotides are the basic pieces that make up DNA. Understanding how they work is important for learning about genetics in AP Biology.
Each nucleotide has three parts:
There are four types of nitrogen bases in DNA:
When nucleotides connect, they create long chains through a process called dehydration synthesis. This results in something called a sugar-phosphate backbone.
You can think of this backbone like a ladder. The phosphate and sugar molecules are the sides of the ladder, while the nitrogen bases are the rungs.
These rungs pair up in a specific way:
This special pairing is called complementary base pairing. It helps make sure that genetic information is copied correctly when cells divide.
The shape of DNA is known as a double helix, which looks like a twisted ladder. This shape protects the genetic material and helps it fit nicely inside the cell's nucleus.
In the end, the order of these nucleotides holds the information needed for inheritance. This influences traits and characteristics that get passed down through generations. That's why nucleotides are so important for life!