1. Deoxyribose sugar: This five-carbon sugar forms the backbone of the DNA molecule.
2. Phosphate group: This negatively charged group attaches to the deoxyribose sugar, forming the sugar-phosphate backbone.
3. Nitrogenous bases: These are the information-carrying molecules that attach to the deoxyribose sugar. There are four types:
* Adenine (A): Pairs with thymine (T)
* Guanine (G): Pairs with cytosine (C)
* Thymine (T): Pairs with adenine (A)
* Cytosine (C): Pairs with guanine (G)
These four molecules, combined in specific sequences, make up the entire DNA molecule.
Key points about DNA:
* Structure: DNA exists as a double helix, with two strands running antiparallel to each other.
* Function: DNA carries genetic information, encoding the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
* Replication: DNA replicates itself during cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genetic information.
* Transcription: The information in DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then used to synthesize proteins.