THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF KURDISTAN
Assignment Coversheet
Microbiology and Lab
NURT1402
Name of student Chinar Dawod Ozair
Student’s ID number A12100208
Academic year Freshman
Semester Spring 2025
Assignment number 3rd
Date of submission 27th Feb 2025
To be completed by instructor
Dr. Rezheen Fatah Abdulrahman
Submission Remark Grade/marks
Feedbacks for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
Feedback from instructor (if any)
Instructions:
- Unlimited word number
- Use font type: Times New Roman, double space, size 12
- Use this template to answer your questions
- Avoid plagiarism
- Use at least 5 academic references (journal articles, textbooks, or reputable online
sources)
- Include appropriate headings, subheadings, and visuals (if applicable) for clarity.
The Structure of DNA and RNA and Their Roles in Genetic Processes
Introduction
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are the two primary nucleic
acids essential for genetic storage, transmission, and protein synthesis in all living
organisms. DNA serves as the blueprint of life, storing genetic information, while RNA
plays a crucial role in decoding this information to synthesize proteins. Understanding
their structures and functions is essential for comprehending fundamental biological
processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. This report provides a
detailed analysis of the structures of DNA and RNA, their differences, and an in-depth
explanation of the molecular mechanisms of replication, transcription, and translation.
Structure of DNA
DNA is a double-stranded molecule composed of smaller subunits called nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of three components:
• A deoxyribose sugar (a five-carbon sugar)
• A phosphate group
• A nitrogenous base (Adenine [A], Thymine [T], Cytosine [C], and Guanine [G])
The structure of DNA was first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953,
based on X-ray diffraction data from Rosalind Franklin. DNA has a double-helix shape,
where two strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel) and are held together by
hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases:
• Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) (via two hydrogen bonds)
• Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) (via three hydrogen bonds)
This base pairing follows Chargaff’s rule, ensuring accurate replication and genetic
fidelity.
Structure of RNA
RNA is a single-stranded molecule composed of nucleotides, similar to DNA, but with
some key differences:
• It contains ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose.
• It has Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T), so A pairs with U.
• RNA is generally single-stranded but can fold into complex structures.
Key Differences Between DNA and RNA
DNA is double-stranded, while RNA is single-stranded. DNA contains thymine, whereas
RNA contains uracil. DNA is highly stable, whereas RNA is more transient and involved
in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
DNA Replication
DNA replication is the biological process by which DNA makes an identical copy of
itself before cell division. This occurs during the S-phase of the cell cycle and follows a
semi-conservative mechanism, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original
strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Transcription
Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It occurs in the
nucleus (eukaryotes) or cytoplasm (prokaryotes) and is catalyzed by RNA polymerase.
Translation
Translation is the process where ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the mRNA
sequence. This occurs in the cytoplasm.
Conclusion
DNA and RNA play crucial roles in genetic information storage and expression. DNA
replication ensures genetic continuity, while transcription and translation enable the
expression of genetic information as proteins. These processes are highly regulated and
crucial for the survival of all living organisms.
References
1. Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., et al. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed.
Garland Science.
2. Watson, J.D., Baker, T.A., Bell, S.P., et al. (2017). Molecular Biology of the Gene. 7th
ed. Pearson.
3. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Kaiser, C.A., et al. (2021). Molecular Cell Biology. 9th ed. W.H.
Freeman.
4. Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., Gatto, G.J., et al. (2019). Biochemistry. 9th ed. W.H.
Freeman.
5. Stryer, L. (2015). Biochemistry. 8th ed. W.H. Freeman.
