How does the DNA molecule affect the function and structure of an organism?

DNA is made up of a double helix with a sequence of nitrogenous bases attached; Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Thymine. These bases are used to code for messenger RNA, a molecule which allows for the replication of DNA and transportation of its genetic information out of the nucleus; where DNA is found and into the ribosomes where proteins are made. The process by which mRNA is made is called transcription (copying of the genetic information). The process by which this information is turned into proteins is translation (changing the information from a nucleic acid form into an amino acid. Proteins are a sequence of amino acids joined by polypeptide bonds. Poly = many or multiple; like polymer or polygon. Peptide = another name for amino acid. These proteins are joined together into long chains by the ribosome and transfer RNA molecules that bring the free floating amino acids to where it is coded for on the mRNA molecule. Each set of 3 bases or codons, codes for 1 amino acid. These proteins are used to form structural proteins such as cellulose through further intermolecular bonding, they can also form functional proteins such as enzymes, whose unique shapes allow specific reactions to occur.In conclusion, the DNA sequence determines the mRNA molecule which in turn determines the polypeptide structure and finally the finished 3D structural or functional protein.

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