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Home CIE IGCSE Biology 4. Biological Molecules 4.1 Biological Molecules 4.1.4 Structure of DNA

CIE IGCSE Biology Notes

4.1.4 Structure of DNA

Contents
1. Characteristics and Classification
Introduction to
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the of Living Organisms
DNA's Structure
fundamental building block of life,
The Double Helix
Formation containing the genetic instructions 2. Organisation of the Organism
Role and Types of necessary for the development,
Bases in DNA
functioning, growth, and reproduction of all
3. Movement into and out of Cells
Base Pairing known living organisms and many viruses. It
Mechanics
is a molecule that embodies the
Significance of 4. Biological Molecules
Hydrogen Bonds in instructions an organism needs to develop,
DNA
live, and reproduce.
Understanding the
4.1 Biological Molecules
Storage and
Transmission of
Genetic Information

DNA's Role in
Introduction to DNA's 4.1.1 Composition of Biological
Evolution and Molecules
Heredity
Structure
Practical
Implications of DNA 4.1.2 Formation of Large Molecules
Structure The structure of DNA is intricate and well-
Knowledge
organized, crucial for its function in genetic
FAQ coding and hereditary transmission. 4.1.3 Chemical Tests for Biological
Practice Questions
Molecules
Molecular Composition: DNA is made
up of molecules called nucleotides.
4.1.4 Structure of DNA
Each nucleotide contains a phosphate
group, a sugar group (deoxyribose), and
a nitrogen base. 5. Enzymes

Double Helix Model: The double helix

model of DNA, discovered by James 6. Plant Nutrition

Watson and Francis Crick, resembles a

twisted ladder. This structure is 7. Human Nutrition
stabilized by hydrogen bonds between
the nitrogenous bases and by
8. Transport in Plants
hydrophobic interactions between the
base pairs and surrounding water.
9. Transport in Animals

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 The Double Helix 10. Diseases and Immunity

Formation 11. Gas Exchange in Humans

The double helix structure of DNA is key to

12. Respiration
its function and integrity.

Twisted Ladder: The two strands of DNA

13. Excretion in Humans
wind around each other, creating a
shape that resembles a twisted ladder.
14. Coordination and Response
Sugar-Phosphate Backbone: The sides
of the ladder are formed by alternating
15. Drugs
sugar and phosphate groups.

Stability and Flexibility: This structure 16. Reproduction

allows DNA to store vast amounts of
genetic information, be easily
17. Inheritance
replicated, and be relatively stable.

18. Variation and Selection

19. Organisms and Their Environment

20. Human Influences on Ecosystems

21. Biotechnology and Genetic

Modification

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Role and Types of by students, parents, and schools globally.

Bases in DNA
The rungs of the DNA ladder consist of
pairs of nitrogenous bases, which are the
core components of nucleotides.

Four Types of Bases: DNA contains four

types of nitrogenous bases - Adenine
(A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and
Guanine (G).

Base Pairing Rules: Adenine pairs with

Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with
Guanine. This pairing is crucial for DNA

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 replication and function.
Stefan
PGCE Qualified Teacher |

Base Pairing Cambridge University | BA

Mathematics

Mechanics
Flora
The mechanism of base pairing in DNA is
PGCE Qualified Teacher |
essential for its replication and function. Cambridge University
MSci Natural Sciences
Hydrogen Bonding: Bases are paired
through hydrogen bonds, forming the
steps of the ladder. Adenine and Vera
Thymine form two hydrogen bonds, PGCE Qualified Teacher |
IB Examiner | BA World
while Cytosine and Guanine form three.
Literature
Complementary Nature: This
complementary base pairing ensures
the DNA's double helix structure is Hire a Tutor

maintained and facilitates accurate

DNA replication.

Significance of
Hydrogen Bonds in
DNA

Hydrogen bonds play a vital role in the

structural integrity and function of DNA.

Bond Strength: While individually weak,

collectively, these bonds provide
enough stability to maintain the double
helix structure.

Replication and Repair: They allow for

the DNA strands to separate during
replication and repair, ensuring genetic
continuity.

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 Image courtesy of Madprime

Understanding the
Storage and
Transmission of
Genetic Information
The structure of DNA is essential for its role
in storing and transmitting genetic
information.

Genetic Blueprint: The sequence of

bases in DNA encodes the instructions
needed to construct the proteins and
RNA molecules that drive all of life's
processes.

Copying for Cell Division: During cell

division, DNA is replicated, ensuring
each new cell receives a complete set
of genetic instructions.

DNA's Role in
Evolution and
Heredity
The structure of DNA has profound
implications for evolution and heredity.

Source of Genetic Diversity: Mutations

in the DNA sequence contribute to
genetic diversity, which is a key element
in the process of evolution.

Transmission of Traits: Hereditary

information is encoded in DNA and
passed from parents to o!spring,
determining inherited traits.

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 DNA mutation

Image courtesy of HBGautor

Practical Implications
of DNA Structure
Knowledge
Understanding the structure of DNA has
revolutionized various scientific fields.

Medical Advancements: Insights into

DNA structure have led to
breakthroughs in understanding genetic
diseases and developing gene therapy.

Forensic Applications: DNA profiling,

based on unique DNA sequences,
assists in criminal investigations and
legal proceedings.

Biotechnological Developments: The

ability to manipulate DNA opens doors
to advancements in agriculture,
medicine, and industry, such as
genetically modified organisms and
synthetic biology.

In summary, the structure of DNA,

characterized by its double helix formation,
complementary base pairing, and the role
of hydrogen bonds, is not just a fascinating
subject in molecular biology but is
fundamental to understanding life itself.
The intricate design of DNA underpins the
processes of genetic inheritance, evolution,
and the various biological mechanisms
that define living organisms. As students of
biology, an in-depth understanding of
DNA's structure o!ers invaluable insights
into the molecular workings of life and the
continuity of life across generations.

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 FAQ

How does the DNA structure

facilitate the process of
transcription and translation?

Can DNA be damaged, and how

does the cell repair such
damage?

What role does DNA play in the

inheritance of traits?

How does the DNA double helix

enable the storage of genetic
information?

Why is DNA called the 'blueprint

of life'?

Practice Questions

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 Describe the structure of a DNA
molecule, including the role of
bases, sugar-phosphate
backbone, and hydrogen bonds.
Explain how these components
contribute to the stability and
function of DNA. (6 marks)

View Answer

Explain the significance of the

complementary base pairing in
DNA and how it relates to DNA
replication. (6 marks)

View Answer

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Written by: Dr Shubhi

Khandelwal
Qualified Dentist and Expert
Science Educator
Shubhi is a seasoned educational
specialist with a sharp focus on IB,
A-level, GCSE, AP, and MCAT

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