DNA is like the ultimate instruction manual for life. It shows how traits get passed down from parents to their kids in a few important ways:
Nucleotide Building Blocks: DNA is made of tiny pieces called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar called deoxyribose, and a nitrogen base. The different order of these bases—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine—holds the genetic information that can be handed down through generations.
Double Helix Shape: DNA has a cool shape called a double helix, which was discovered by Watson and Crick. This shape helps keep the genetic information safe. The way the bases pair up (A with T and C with G) means that each strand can act as a guide for copying itself. This is super important when cells divide, because DNA has to be copied correctly to pass on traits.
Role in Heredity: DNA carries genes, which are specific parts that help make proteins. These proteins are responsible for different traits. When living things have babies, they share half of their DNA with their young. This not only shapes physical features but can also affect behavior and health.
In short, the way DNA is built and formed makes it great at storing and sharing genetic information. This helps make sure traits get passed down through generations. It’s amazing to think that this tiny molecule has such a big impact on who we are!
DNA is like the ultimate instruction manual for life. It shows how traits get passed down from parents to their kids in a few important ways:
Nucleotide Building Blocks: DNA is made of tiny pieces called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar called deoxyribose, and a nitrogen base. The different order of these bases—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine—holds the genetic information that can be handed down through generations.
Double Helix Shape: DNA has a cool shape called a double helix, which was discovered by Watson and Crick. This shape helps keep the genetic information safe. The way the bases pair up (A with T and C with G) means that each strand can act as a guide for copying itself. This is super important when cells divide, because DNA has to be copied correctly to pass on traits.
Role in Heredity: DNA carries genes, which are specific parts that help make proteins. These proteins are responsible for different traits. When living things have babies, they share half of their DNA with their young. This not only shapes physical features but can also affect behavior and health.
In short, the way DNA is built and formed makes it great at storing and sharing genetic information. This helps make sure traits get passed down through generations. It’s amazing to think that this tiny molecule has such a big impact on who we are!