What is the structure of DNA?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a polymer made up of two strands of nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a phosphate group, pentose sugar and nitrogenous base (of which there are 4 types). These nucleotides are joined up together to form one strand and the other strand is made up through complementary base pairing. These two strands are then twisted together to form a double helix structure. The sequence of bases within the DNA codes for amino acids, which will eventually be translated to form specific proteins required within the body.

SM
Answered by Shaurya M. Biology tutor

2715 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the key feature of stem cells and discuss their applications in research and medicine. Please provide examples.


In genetics, what is sex linkage and give an example


Tom is an expactant father who is worried that he will pass on his Haemophilia A, an X linked recessive disease, to his offspring. The mother is homozygous dominant. Explain why his 1st generation offspring will not be affected by the condition.


The development of palm oil plantations in Sumatra has removed areas of forest that provided the habitat for tigers. Explain why planting strips of trees to link the forests would have an effect on the frequency of genetic disorders in these tigers.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning