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

2152 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of ATP and explain how is it suitable for its function


What are the different stages of Mitosis?


Why might a gene still code for a functioning enzyme after a substitution mutation to one base in the gene?


How might you estimate the population size for a species of bird?


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences