DNA Structure 2
Legend: Illustration of the double helical structure of the DNA molecule. The structure of DNA is illustrated by a right handed double helix, with about 10 nucleotide pairs per helical turn. Each spiral strand, composed of a sugar phosphate backbone and attached bases, is connected to a complementary strand by hydrogen bonding (non- covalent) between paired bases, adenine (A) with thymine (T) and guanine (G) with cytosine (C). Adenine and thymine are connected by two hydrogen bonds (non-covalent) while guanine and cytosine are connected by three.
Legend: A simplified representation of a DNA molecule separating to form two new molecules. To reproduce, a cell must copy and transmit its genetic information (DNA) to all of its progeny. To do so, DNA replicates, following the process of semiconservative replication. Each strand of the original molecule acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary DNA molecule. The two strands of the double helix are first separated by enzymes. With the assistance of other enzymes, spare parts available inside the cell are bound to the individual strands following the rules of complementary base pairing: adenine (A) to thymine (T) and guanine (G) to cytosine (C). Two strands of DNA are obtained from one, having produced two daughter molecules which are identical to one another and to the parent molecule.