Unit 5, neucleic acids
Summary of Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA
Core Concepts and Definitions
● Nucleic acids are macromolecules composed of nucleotides, each consisting of:
● A sugar molecule,
● A phosphate group,
● A nitrogenous base.
● They serve as carriers of genetic information, coding for proteins that build, regulate, and
control biological functions.
Discovery and Milestones in DNA Research
Although James Watson and Francis Crick are widely credited with discovering DNA, their primary
contribution was elucidating the double helix structure of DNA. The discovery of DNA involved
multiple scientists over time, with key milestones including:
Scientist(s) Contribution
Frederick Griffith Identified transformation in bacteria, suggesting genes transfer information
between cells.
Oswald Avery Demonstrated that DNA is the molecule carrying genetic information.
Hershey and Confirmed DNA as genetic material through bacteriophage experiments.
Chase
Erwin Chargaff Discovered base pairing rules (Chargaff’s rules).
Rosalind Franklin Provided critical X-ray diffraction images of DNA, aiding Watson and
Crick’s model.
Watson and Crick Developed the double helix model of DNA structure.
For a complete timeline, visit: http://www.dnai.org/timeline/index.html
DNA Structure
● Full name: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
● Sugar: Deoxyribose
● Nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine ©, Thymine (T)
Summary of Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA
Core Concepts and Definitions
● Nucleic acids are macromolecules composed of nucleotides, each consisting of:
● A sugar molecule,
● A phosphate group,
● A nitrogenous base.
● They serve as carriers of genetic information, coding for proteins that build, regulate, and
control biological functions.
Discovery and Milestones in DNA Research
Although James Watson and Francis Crick are widely credited with discovering DNA, their primary
contribution was elucidating the double helix structure of DNA. The discovery of DNA involved
multiple scientists over time, with key milestones including:
Scientist(s) Contribution
Frederick Griffith Identified transformation in bacteria, suggesting genes transfer information
between cells.
Oswald Avery Demonstrated that DNA is the molecule carrying genetic information.
Hershey and Confirmed DNA as genetic material through bacteriophage experiments.
Chase
Erwin Chargaff Discovered base pairing rules (Chargaff’s rules).
Rosalind Franklin Provided critical X-ray diffraction images of DNA, aiding Watson and
Crick’s model.
Watson and Crick Developed the double helix model of DNA structure.
For a complete timeline, visit: http://www.dnai.org/timeline/index.html
DNA Structure
● Full name: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
● Sugar: Deoxyribose
● Nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine ©, Thymine (T)
