The functions of DNA

• where can DNA be found?

  • enclosed in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells
  • loose in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells
• where can small molecules of DNA be found?

  • chloroplasts
  • mitochondria
  • some viruses
• where is DNA found?

  in representatives of all groups of living organisms
• what does evidence show about DNA?

  that it appeared very early on in the evolution of living organisms
• what are the 2 main roles of DNA?

  • replication
  • protein synthesis
• how is DNA involved in replication?

  • DNA comprises 2 complimentary strands, the base sequence of one strand determining the base sequence of the other
  • if 2 strands of a double helix are separated, 2 identical double helices can be formed, as each parent strand acts as a template for protein synthesis of a new complimentary strand
• how is DNA involved in protein synthesis?

  the sequence of bases represents the information carried in DNA and determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins