Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) make up the nucleic acid in cells and is responsible for the differences in many of our traits. DNA is the substance in which our genetic material is carried on from one generation to the next. Nucleotides join together through phosphodiester linkages between the 5 ' and 3 ' carbon atoms to form nucleic acids. “Nucleotides are composed of a five-membered sugar group with a purine or pyrimidine nitrogen base group attached to its 1 ' carbon via a glycosidic bond and one or more phosphate groups attached to its 5 ' carbon via an ester bond” (sparknotes.com/biology). DNA and RNA both contain genetic information, however there several variations between the two. DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose and is a double-stranded molecule. Whereas, RNA contains the sugar ribose and is a single-stranded molecule. Furthermore, DNA acts as a storage and transfer system for genetic data, while RNA acts as the messenger (chemistry.about.com).
Chromosomes are thread-like structures which is positioned in the nucleus living things and is composed of protein and one molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA is responsible for …show more content…
During this process the genetic material is passed from one cell to another. Mitosis involves a four-stage process; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During the first step, called prophase, the centrioles position themselves at either end of the cell to prepare the cell for the mitotic division. In the metaphase, all of the nuclear membrane dissolves, the DNA lines up in the central axis and the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. The actual separation of the cell begins in anaphase. Half of the chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. The process is complete in telophase. The cell membrane forms again and the cell splits into two separate pieces.
Chromosomes are thread-like structures which is positioned in the nucleus living things and is composed of protein and one molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA is responsible for …show more content…
During this process the genetic material is passed from one cell to another. Mitosis involves a four-stage process; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During the first step, called prophase, the centrioles position themselves at either end of the cell to prepare the cell for the mitotic division. In the metaphase, all of the nuclear membrane dissolves, the DNA lines up in the central axis and the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. The actual separation of the cell begins in anaphase. Half of the chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. The process is complete in telophase. The cell membrane forms again and the cell splits into two separate pieces.