Dna is made of what
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Understanding the Composition of DNA
DNA Structure: Nucleotides and Double Helix
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It is composed of two long strands forming a double helix, with each strand made up of simpler molecules called nucleotides6 7. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four types of nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)7.
Nucleotides: The Building Blocks of DNA
Nucleotides are the repeating units that make up the DNA polymer. Each nucleotide in DNA contains a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of the four nitrogenous bases. The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information1 6. The nucleotides are linked together by covalent bonds between the phosphate of one nucleotide and the sugar of the next, forming a sugar-phosphate backbone7.
DNA's Role in Genetics and Inheritance
DNA is the hereditary material in almost all organisms, meaning it is responsible for passing genetic information from parents to offspring. This was first demonstrated in 1944 by Oswald Avery, Maclyn McCarty, and Colin MacLeod, who showed that DNA could transfer genetic traits between bacteria5. This discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics, establishing DNA as the molecule of inheritance.
DNA's Polymeric Nature and Applications
Beyond its genetic role, DNA is also recognized as a polymeric material with unique properties that make it useful in various fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. DNA's ability to form specific structures through molecular recognition allows it to be used in constructing nanoscale materials and devices1 3 4. For example, DNA can be engineered into linear, branched, or networked topologies to create functional materials for applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and more1 3 4.
Artificial DNA and Its Potential
Researchers have also developed artificial DNA made from nonnatural nucleosides, which can form stable duplexes and triplexes similar to natural DNA. These artificial DNA molecules have potential applications in creating new genetic systems and information storage technologies2.
Conclusion
DNA is a complex molecule made up of nucleotides, which include a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. It forms a double helix structure and serves as the genetic material in most living organisms. Beyond its biological role, DNA's polymeric properties enable its use in various technological applications, bridging the gap between nanotechnology and biotechnology. The ongoing research into both natural and artificial DNA continues to expand our understanding and utilization of this remarkable molecule.
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Engineering DNA-based functional materials.
DNA-based functional materials show promise for nanotechnology, medicine, and biotechnology due to their engineering methods and potential real-world applications.
Highly CitedArtificial DNA made exclusively of nonnatural C-nucleosides with four types of nonnatural bases.
Artificial DNA made of nonnatural C-nucleosides shows potential for future extracellular genetic systems with information storage and amplifiable abilities.
DNA materials: bridging nanotechnology and biotechnology.
DNA materials bridge the gap between nanotechnology and biotechnology, offering potential for diverse real-world applications in diagnostics, protein production, controlled drug release systems, and plasmonics.
Highly CitedDNA Functional Materials Assembled from Branched DNA: Design, Synthesis, and Applications.
Branched DNA functional materials offer versatile building blocks for biomaterials, with potential applications in diagnostics, protein engineering, drug delivery, therapeutics, and cell engineering.
Highly CitedChemical Structure of DNA
DNA molecule is made up of deoxyribose sugar and two polynucleotide chains, each containing four different types of nucleotide subunits.
DNA Replication
DNA replication is a complex process that ensures near perfect fidelity, with each strand serving as a template for the production of the complementary strand.
A DNA-fuelled molecular machine made of DNA
A DNA machine, shaped like a pair of tweezers, can be used as both a structural material and as 'fuel', enabling nanoscale construction and active devices.
Highly CitedControlled assembly of dendrimer-like DNA
Controlled assembly of dendrimer-like DNA from Y-shaped DNA is a robust and efficient method for creating stable, monodisperse DNA-based materials with potential for DNA computing and nanotechnology.
Highly CitedBiophysics of the DNA molecule
DNA plays a crucial role in all living organisms because it is the key molecule responsible for storage, duplication, and realization of genetic information. DNA is a heteropolymeric molecule consisting of residues (nucleotides) of four types, A, T, C and G. Fig. 1 shows the chemical structure of the DNA single strand and the complementary base pairs. The genetic message is “written down” in the form of continuous text consisting of four letters (DNA nucleotides A, G, T and C). This continuous text, however, is subdivided, in its biological meaning, into sections. The most significant sections are genes, parts of DNA, which carry information about the sequence of amino acids in proteins. The importance of the DNA molecule cannot be overestimated. It is therefore natural that the molecule has been attracting attention not only of biologists and physicians but also of chemists and physicists, even theorists (for a popular introduction into the field of DNA science, see, e.g., Frank-Kamenetskii, 1993; 1997). For more than forty years already, the DNA molecule has been a subject of biophysical studies. Many outstanding physicists, who made their names in various areas of traditional physics, mostly in solid state physics, contributed by studying DNA. I.M. Lifshitz did not publish many papers about DNA. Nevertheless, his role in directing attention of physicists toward DNA biophysics was very significant, especially in the USSR. Although I had been already in the field when Lifshitz stormed it in mid-1960s I also experienced profound influence of his personality and style. Due to his enthusiasm and indisputable reputation among Soviet physicists, DNA and protein biophysics temporarily became a focus of attention of the Soviet physics community. This community was a unique phenomenon in the world of science. Due to I.M. Lifshitz, I had an opportunity to present my work on DNA topology at the famous
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