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

2629 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

During the cardiac cycle , there is a delay between the excitation of the atria and excitation of the ventricles. Explain how this is achieved and why this delay is essential.


Explanation of the lac operon, based on 9700/41/M/J/18 Question 3


How does base deletion in the DNA code produce a nonfunctional protein?


What are enzymes and how do they work?


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