Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic Engineering – Assignment 1 –
Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
Introduction
As part of my work experience at Queens University Belfast, I am going to illustrate a report
and demonstrate my understanding of DNA, RNA, protein synthesis and the consequences
of error occurring in protein synthesis.
The area of biology known as genetics relates to the investigation of genes, heredity, and
genetic variation. A living organisms DNA sequence, which carries information on how to
create and maintain its cells as well as its unique physical and metabolic characteristics, is its
genetic code (S.B McCreath and Y.N Clement, 2023). I will be mentioning all this in more
detail, in this report.
Nucleotide Structure and Function of DNA and RNA
Five nucleotide bases exist: Adenine (A) and guanine (G), which have a double ring structure,
and Cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U), which have a single ring structure. DNA and
RNA contain these bases respectively (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024). An example is shown
below.
(Mackenzie, 2020).
The following components make up every DNA molecule. Two backbone chains consisting of
phosphate groups and deoxyribose sugars. Since each of these backbones run in the
opposite direction, they are referred to as antiparallel. The backbones are connected by
pairs of nitrogenous bases. Hydrogen bonds (H bonds) hold the base pairs together. The
'rungs of the ladder' are consistently the same size because a purine base always unites with
a pyrimidine base. A and T are joined by two hydrogen bonds, while G and C are joined by
three hydrogen bonds. Complementary base pairing is the term used to describe this kind of
particular base pairing (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024). To get a clearer idea, an image below
shows the bonding between the purine and pyrimidine bases, and how they are connected
to create a double helix.
Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
Introduction
As part of my work experience at Queens University Belfast, I am going to illustrate a report
and demonstrate my understanding of DNA, RNA, protein synthesis and the consequences
of error occurring in protein synthesis.
The area of biology known as genetics relates to the investigation of genes, heredity, and
genetic variation. A living organisms DNA sequence, which carries information on how to
create and maintain its cells as well as its unique physical and metabolic characteristics, is its
genetic code (S.B McCreath and Y.N Clement, 2023). I will be mentioning all this in more
detail, in this report.
Nucleotide Structure and Function of DNA and RNA
Five nucleotide bases exist: Adenine (A) and guanine (G), which have a double ring structure,
and Cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U), which have a single ring structure. DNA and
RNA contain these bases respectively (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024). An example is shown
below.
(Mackenzie, 2020).
The following components make up every DNA molecule. Two backbone chains consisting of
phosphate groups and deoxyribose sugars. Since each of these backbones run in the
opposite direction, they are referred to as antiparallel. The backbones are connected by
pairs of nitrogenous bases. Hydrogen bonds (H bonds) hold the base pairs together. The
'rungs of the ladder' are consistently the same size because a purine base always unites with
a pyrimidine base. A and T are joined by two hydrogen bonds, while G and C are joined by
three hydrogen bonds. Complementary base pairing is the term used to describe this kind of
particular base pairing (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024). To get a clearer idea, an image below
shows the bonding between the purine and pyrimidine bases, and how they are connected
to create a double helix.
