Describe the structure of DNA

DNA is made up of two anti-parallel strands running in opposite directions. It is made up of individual monomers called nucleotides which in turn contain: a sugar (deoxyribose), a base (A, G, C or T), and phosphate group. The sugars and the phosphates bond together resulting in a phosphodiester bond giving rise to the sugar phosphate backbone down one side of the molecule. The four bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine and form hydrogen-bonds in pairs, A to T and C to G. This is how the two strands stick together. The sequence of bases is what determines the genetic code for the cell.

Answered by Jamie H. Biology tutor

1810 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does the Calvin cycle require six turns to create a single hexose sugar?


What is the shape of a DNA molecule


Some phenotypes, such as colour-blindness, are caused by sex-linked genes. Explain why colour-blindness is more common in men than in women


Explain how a resting potential is maintained in a neurone (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences