What DNA is made of:
* DNA is a long molecule made up of smaller units called nucleotides.
* Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).
How DNA encodes information:
* The sequence of these bases along the DNA molecule is what carries the genetic information.
* Think of it like a code where the order of the letters A, T, G, and C dictates the specific instructions.
* Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building a specific protein.
What DNA does:
* Proteins are the workhorses of the cell: They perform a wide variety of functions, including:
* Building and repairing tissues
* Catalyzing (speeding up) chemical reactions
* Transporting molecules
* Fighting infections
* DNA determines the traits you inherit: Eye color, hair color, height, and even susceptibility to certain diseases are all influenced by your DNA.
In summary: DNA contains the instructions for building and maintaining all living organisms. It's a complex code that directs the production of proteins, which are the building blocks of life.
