Understanding Dna Structure.

DNA is the well known molecule of life. It is a nucleic acid commonly used to pass down genes between generations of cells. The genes then get transcribed into proteins and are responsible for many of the characteristics you may observe and have! The way genes do this is by acting as a `set of instructions` that are transferred to RNA and then read to make proteins. ;

The function of genes is quite similar to that of an architect`s blueprint! ;

A DNA molecule contains two strands held together by hydrogen bonding between base pairs. There are 4 common nitrogenous bases: Adenine, Guanine, Thymine and Cytosine (AGTC). Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds, while guanine and cytosine pair via three hydrogen bonds

The bases must face each other to pair and create the hydrogen bonds therefore the two strands run in opposite directions and are `antiparallel` with regards to one another. As the antiparallel chains lengthen, the strands will arrange themselves into a stable energy configuration, resulting in double-stranded DNA forming a double helix that contains 10 to 15 base pairs per twist.

One DNA strand acts as a template for the other. This helps maintain the fidelity of the base sequence and results in fewer mistakes during replication.