DNA contains genetic information from "summary" of Human Biology by Cecie Starr,Beverly McMillan
The genetic information that determines the characteristics of living organisms is stored in the molecules of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid. This molecule is present in the nucleus of every cell in the body, and it carries the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. DNA is made up of two long strands that are twisted into a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder. Each strand of the DNA molecule is made up of units called nucleotides. These nucleotides consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). The sequence of these nitrogenous bases along the DNA strand forms a genetic code that determines the specific traits of an organism. The genetic information contained in DNA is organized into units called genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for making specific proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells in the body. The human genome, or the complete set of genetic information in a human cell, is made up of approximately 20,000-25,000 genes. During cell division, the DNA molecule replicates itself so that each new cell receives an identical copy of the genetic information. This process ensures that the genetic code is passed on from one generation to the next. Any changes or mutations in the DNA sequence can lead to variations in the traits of an organism.- DNA serves as the blueprint for the development and functioning of living organisms. It contains the genetic information that determines an organism's characteristics and is essential for the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. Understanding the structure and function of DNA is crucial for studying genetics and the mechanisms of heredity.
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