The shape of DNA is really important for understanding genetic disorders.
DNA is made up of tiny units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. The nitrogen bases can be one of four types: adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine.
These nucleotides come together to form a special shape known as a double helix. This shape helps to pack DNA into structures called chromosomes.
Sometimes, mistakes happen in the order of these nucleotides. When this happens, we call them mutations. Mutations can lead to genetic disorders.
For example, in cystic fibrosis, there is a mutation in a gene called CFTR. This mutation changes just one nucleotide, which disrupts the function of a protein in the body.
Another example is sickle cell anemia. This condition happens because of a single nucleotide change, which alters a protein called hemoglobin. This change affects the shape of red blood cells.
In short, having healthy DNA is important for keeping everything working well in our bodies. But when mutations happen, it can cause different genetic disorders.
The shape of DNA is really important for understanding genetic disorders.
DNA is made up of tiny units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. The nitrogen bases can be one of four types: adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine.
These nucleotides come together to form a special shape known as a double helix. This shape helps to pack DNA into structures called chromosomes.
Sometimes, mistakes happen in the order of these nucleotides. When this happens, we call them mutations. Mutations can lead to genetic disorders.
For example, in cystic fibrosis, there is a mutation in a gene called CFTR. This mutation changes just one nucleotide, which disrupts the function of a protein in the body.
Another example is sickle cell anemia. This condition happens because of a single nucleotide change, which alters a protein called hemoglobin. This change affects the shape of red blood cells.
In short, having healthy DNA is important for keeping everything working well in our bodies. But when mutations happen, it can cause different genetic disorders.