May's+Notes

 **__Vocabulary For DNA__** ** nucleus chromosome guanine DNA thymine nucleic acids cytosine RNA DNA replication gene double helix twisted ladder nitrogen bases base pairs backbone hydrogen bond adenine cell division trait **

**1.What is DNA and where is it found?** DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is like a computer program for your body. It is the genetic material that carries information about an organism and is passed from parent to offspring. Everyone's DNA is different. DNA is found in the center of your cells, inside the nucleus. The information in DNA directs all of the cell's functions. Just about every cell in your body has a complete set of DNA in it.

**2.What does it look like (its structure) and what is it made from?** DNA is arranged in a spiral shape called a **double helix**, and it comes in long strands called **chromosomes**. A DNA molecule looks like a **twisted ladder**. The two sides of the ladder (AKA backbones) are made up of molecules of a sugar called deoxyribose, alternating with molecules known as **phosphates**. Each rung is made up of a pair of molecules called **nitrogen bases**. Nitrogen bases are molecules that contain the element nitrogen and other elements. DNA has 4 kinds of nitrogen bases: **adenine**, **thymine**, **guanine**, and **cytosine.** The capital letters A,T,G, and C are used to represent the bases. The bases on on one side pair up with the bases on the other side. A only pairs with T, while G only pairs with C.

Information from Prentice Hall Textbook and BrainPop.
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