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DNA and Inheritance Facts & Worksheets

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a biomolecule, which serves as the blueprint of living organisms.

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DNA is a polymer comprised of two nucleotide bases that coil on each other to form a double helix storing genetic instructions for all known creatures and many viruses’ formation, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Nucleic acids include DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nucleic acids, along with proteins, lipids, and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), are one of the four primary macromolecules required for all known life forms.

See the fact file below for more information on DNA and Inheritance or alternatively, you can download our 28-page DNA and Inheritance worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Overview

  • DNA is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, including nucleotides and biological building components. 
  • DNA is a critical molecule not just for humans but also for the majority of other species. DNA holds our genetic material and genes, which are what distinguishes us. 
  • A DNA molecule is made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide comprises three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. 
  • 2-deoxyribose is the sugar found in DNA. The “backbone” of the DNA strand is made up of sugar molecules that alternate with phosphate groups.
  • 2-deoxyribose is the sugar found in DNA. The “backbone” of the DNA strand is made up of sugar molecules that alternate with phosphate groups. 
  • A nitrogen base is connected to each sugar in a nucleotide. In DNA, there are four main kinds of nitrogen bases. They are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) (T) 
  • The two strands of DNA are put together to form a 3-D structure known as a double helix. When shown, DNA resembles a spiral ladder, with the base pairs serving as the rungs and the sugar-phosphate backbones serving as the legs.
  • Most DNA is contained in the cell nucleus (nuclear DNA), but it can also find a minor quantity in the mitochondria (also known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA). Mitochondria are cell structures that transform energy from meals into a form cell can utilize. 
  • Furthermore, the DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is linear, meaning that each strand’s ends are free. The DNA in a prokaryotic cell has a circular structure.

History

  • Although identified the molecule DNA in 1869, it did not prove significant in genetic heredity until 1943. 
  • Thanks to the studies of biophysicists Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, James Watson and Francis Crick revealed in 1953 that the DNA’s structure is a double helix polymer, a spiral composed of two DNA strands wrapped around each other.
  • The discovery advanced scientists’ knowledge of DNA replication and genetic regulation of cellular functions significantly.

Types of DNA

  • The DNA feature is a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder. There are two types of DNA autosomal DNA and mitochondrial DNA.

Nuclear DNA or Autosomal DNA

  • Nuclear DNA (nDNA) is present in eukaryotic organisms’ nuclei and is handed down from both parents.
  • Nuclear DNA comprises 46 chromosomes, 23 of which come from the father and the other 23 from the mother.

Mitochondrial DNA

  • Mitochondrial DNA is found in mitochondria, and each cell has 100-1000 copies. 
  • Mitochondrial DNA is haploid, which originates from a single source, the mother. This form of DNA is more prone to mutation than nuclear DNA.

DNA Based on Structural Diversity 

  • There are also various types of DNA based on their structural diversity. 

A-DNA

  • It happens when the relative humidity is less than 75% and is uncommon under standard physiological settings. 
  • Sugar phosphates produce antiparallel double strands via phosphodiester linkages. 
  • Viruses utilize this kind of DNA as an adaptive way of survival in severe environments.

B-DNA

  • Uncovered based on X-ray diffraction patterns and existed under normal physiological conditions. 
  • Double strands of B-DNA run in other directions, and the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the base units.

C-DNA

  • This structure is formed when DNA is subjected to low humidity and specific ions such as Li+ and Mg2+.
  • This form is volatile and does not exist in living creatures. B and C-DNA have comparable nucleotide conformations but in differing proportions.

D-DNA

  • It’s unusual since it lacks the Guanine (G) basic unit. This kind of DNA is formed at lower humidity levels than A-DNA.

E-DNA

  • Is there any extended or unusual organismal DNA in the environment? EDNA is derived from cellular material shed into the atmosphere by many creatures, such as skin, mucus, fecal matter, hair, gametes, and corpses. 
  • The DNA has a lifespan of 7-21 days, depending on environmental factors such as acidity, heat, or radiation.

Z-DNA

  • Its zigzag pattern makes it stand out. As a left-handed double helix, it has minor and major grooves. You may find this kind of DNA in eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses. 
  • According to current research, Z-DNA is linked to illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus due to naturally occurring antibodies.

DNA Replication and Uniqueness

  • The replication of DNA is required for the development of new cells. In this situation, the DNA in all-new cells must be a carbon copy of the DNA in the beginning cells. A copy of the genetic “blueprint” is critical since it affects cellular function and overall biological development. 
  • During the DNA replication process, the double helix is unzipped and unraveled, and each divided strand functions as a template for replicating a new companion strand. Nucleotides (bases) are coupled to form two new double helices from the new partner strands.
  • DNA sequencing is a one-of-a-kind occurrence in humans. Except for identical twins, no two people will have identical DNA. However, more than 99 percent of the three billion base pairs that comprise the human genome are similar across all individuals. 
  • The chimp, our closest living relative, shares 96 percent of our DNA. Despite their apparent similarities, humans and chimps contain 40 million unique DNA molecules. 
  • Twisted strands with unique grooves make up the DNA structure. Minor and significant tracks are essential because they create various proteins in the DNA. The primary and minor grooves bind transcription factors, which result in the production of proteins.
  • When the base units of DNA are far apart, major grooves occur, whereas minor grooves form when the base units are near together, and the creation of the tracks may identify the base sequence of individual DNA molecules. 
  • The grooves are diagonal and run the length of the DNA molecule. The tracks are essential because they play an important role in replication and transcription. Minor grooves are narrow and shallow, whereas large grooves are deep and expansive. 
  • Particular leverages like hydrogen bonds and other non-specific binds help the proteins attach at the base of the DNA grooves. As a result, specific proteins connect to significant grooves while others adhere to the more minor grooves and bind to both.

DNA Can be Transcribed into Proteins

  • The “core dogma of molecular biology,” which outlines how the cell deciphers DNA into RNA and then translates that RNA into proteins, is one of science’s most fundamental ideas.
  • During transcription, the DNA unzips, allowing the cell to produce a matching strand of messenger RNA or mRNA. This mRNA travels from the cell’s nucleus to the cytoplasm, where the ribosome reads and converts into a protein.
  • A codon is a three-nucleotide sequence that generates one amino acid. Polypeptides are lengthy chains of amino acids that are joined together. 
  • These fold into proteins, vital roles in the human body’s structure, function, and control. It is why, as previously described, a gene is a fragment of DNA that codes for a protein.

Building Blocks of DNA

  • Phosphate, Deoxyribose, and four nitrogen base: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine, are the three components of DNA building blocks. 
  • In this case, two base units, adenine and guanine are purines with a double-ring structure, while cytosine and thymine are pyrimidines with a single body. 
  • Furthermore, DNA is comprised of nucleotides, which are smaller subunits. The liver synthesizes nucleotides, which are obtained from the food we ingest.

Genes As Part of DNA

  • The revelation that DNA contains the information blueprint (genes) for all living beings and the mechanisms that translate the DNA code into the substance of life is one of the critical discoveries of modern science. 
  • All living things, from the tiniest bacterium to the most significant plants and animals on the earth, rely on DNA to thrive. DNA guides how organisms live, reproduce, metabolize, develop, and die despite having far fewer biological “letters” than the English alphabet’s 26 letters. 
  • It is made possible by genes designed to code for certain features. A gene is a piece of DNA that encodes for a protein.
  • In principle, DNA contains coded information in four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The bases in DNA couple with each other to create base units (A with T, C with G). 
  • These genes convey certain qualities and are handed down from parents to offspring. Humans inherit genes from both parents, but mitochondrial DNA is unique to the mother.
  • Genes determine an individual’s eye color, IQ level, personality qualities, and physique shape. As a result, the order of the bases is crucial in the construction and maintenance of a living entity.
  • DNA is composed of two biopolymer strands known as polynucleotides and monomer units known as nucleotides. The basic units determine the character of the strands. 
  • AT, for example, interact with two hydrogen bonds, whereas C-G interacts through three hydrogen bonds on the other strand. 
  • The hydrogen and hydrophobic connections between base units strengthen the shape and structure of the DNA strand.

Function of DNA

  • DNA is a vital component of living species’ bodies. DNA is essential for transporting genetic material in all cells and reliably replicates throughout cell division. 
  • The interaction between DNA and proteins is critical in forming bodily structures, messengers, enzymes, and hormones. 
  • Mutations arise when DNA alters at rare times, resulting in genetic differences and evolution. 
  • DNA contains genetic information for heredity, instructions, and living processes. Vertical gene transfer transmits the instruction from parent to child.

Role of DNA in Reproduction 

  • During sexual reproduction, humans develop gametes, distinct cells with just one set of 23 chromosomes. 
  • The father’s DNA joins with the mother’s during conception to generate 46 new chromosomes. It is how an ancestor’s traits are passed on to descendants. 
  • A single chromosome determines the gender of a gamete’s progeny. The chromosome in issue might be the X or the Y: two X chromosomes result in a female kid, while XY results in a boy child. 
  • When a fertilized egg splits, several genes influence how cells differentiate from one another, resulting in a variety of human tissues, organs, and systems.

Role of DNA in Biochemistry

  • Most of the cell proteins essential for life are encoded in DNA. DNA is copied into RNA, which acts as a cell’s protein translation primer.
  • Among these are the enzymes, hormones, and structural proteins required by each cell. Complex biochemical feedback networks determine the DNA genes that are expressed. 
  • Through cellular metabolic processes, genes control the form of your nose and the size of your ears. 
  • If a gene is not correctly coded, such as when a DNA molecule mutation occurs, you may have congenital disabilities such as cleft palate or inherited illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and Down’s syndrome.

DNA and Inheritance Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about DNA and Inheritance across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use DNA and Inheritance worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a biomolecule which serves as the blueprint of living organisms. A gene is a segment of DNA that is passed down from parents to offspring through the packaged units called chromosomes. The genetic transmission of traits is referred to as heredity.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • DNA and Inheritance Facts
  • DNA Structuring
  • Make it Double
  • Decoding DNA
  • Base Pairing
  • Genetic Codes
  • Mendelian Profile
  • Genetic Mystery
  • Passing Mutations
  • The Human Genome Project
  • Thanks to Heredity!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DNA?

DNA is a polymer composed of two nucleotide bases that coil on each other to form a double helix storing genetic instructions for all known creatures and many viruses’ formation, functioning, growth, and reproduction.

Who discovered the structure of DNA?

Thanks to the studies of biophysicists Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, James Watson and Francis Crick revealed in 1953 that the DNA’s structure is a double helix polymer, a spiral composed of two DNA strands wrapped around each other.

Where is DNA found?

Most DNA is contained in the cell nucleus (nuclear DNA), but it can also find a minor quantity in the mitochondria (also known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA). Mitochondria are cell structures that transform energy from meals into a form cell can utilize. 

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Phosphate, Deoxyribose, and four nitrogen base: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine, are the three components of DNA building blocks. 

Why is DNA important to heredity?

DNA contains genetic information for heredity, instructions, and living processes. Vertical gene transfer transmits the instruction from parent to child.

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