ESDNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that contains the genetic information of all living beings. It is like an “instruction manual” that determines our physical and biological characteristics. In this lesson, we will explore what DNA is, how it works, and why it is central to genetics and biology.
🔬 What is DNA?
DNA is a molecule in the form of a double helix, discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, based on the earlier studies of Rosalind Franklin. It is composed of units called nucleotides, made up of:
- A phosphate group 📌
- A sugar (deoxyribose) 🍭
- A nitrogenous base 📜
Nitrogenous bases are grouped in pairs:
- Adenine (A) with Thymine (T).
- Cytosine (C) with Guanine (G)
These bases form “rungs” in the double helix structure and contain the genetic code of each organism.
📌 Fun fact: If we were to unroll the DNA of a single cell, it would measure approximately 2 meters long. amazing, right! 😲
🏗️ How does DNA work?
DNA stores and transmits genetic information from one generation to the next. To do this, it follows two fundamental processes:
1️⃣ Replication
DNA makes exact copies of itself before cells divide. This process ensures that each new cell has the same genetic information.
2️⃣ Transcription and translation
- Transcription 📝: DNA is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries information to ribosomes.
- Translation 🏭: mRNA is “read” and translated into proteins, the molecules responsible for almost all cellular functions.
Explore more
🔗 What is DNA and How Does it Work?
🏆 Importance of DNA in genetics
DNA is key to understanding genetic inheritance. Thanks to its study:
- We can predict genetic diseases 🏥
- Understand how family traits are transmitted 👨👩👧
- Develop advances in biotechnology and medicine 💊
🧪 Examples of DNA applications
🌾 In agriculture
- Creation of pest-resistant transgenic foods.
🩺 In medicine
- Gene therapies to treat inherited diseases.
- Diagnosis of diseases such as cancer using genetic testing.
🏛️ In criminology
- Identification of persons through genetic fingerprinting at crime scenes.
📌 Did you know that…? Human DNA is 99.9% identical, but that tiny 0.1% difference is what makes us unique. 🤯
🤔 Questions for you:
- Why is the DNA double helix important?
- How does DNA influence our physical characteristics?
- Could you explain in your own words what “genetic code” means?
🚀 Quick challenges
- List 3 new things you learned today 📝
- Draw a model of the DNA double helix and explain its parts 🎨
✨ Your turn
Think about what you learned today and answer:
- How would science change without the discovery of DNA?
- What applications of DNA do you find most interesting?
DNA is the instruction manual of life and its study helps us understand our past, present and future. 🌍🔬✨
