The Structure of DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is contained within the cells of every living organism. The DNA specifies the structure and function of all living things, and serves as the primary unit of heredity. What makes up this complex molecule? How is DNA structured? In this interactivity, explore the structure of DNA. Click the player button to begin.
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You learned that DNA is constructed from phosphates, sugars, and bases in a double helix. View The Structure of DNA from eMediaVASM to take a more in-depth peek at a DNA molecule. While you are watching this short video clip, think about the following questions:
DNA Replication
Before a cell can reproduce, it must replicate, or make a copy, of its DNA. DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes and in the nucleus in eukaryotes. Regardless of where DNA replication occurs, the process is almost exactly the same. In a human’s cells, DNA replication happens very quickly. Every second, fifty nucleotides are added to a DNA template. In this interactivity, learn about the process of DNA replication. Click the player button to begin.
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DNA - Structure, Function, and Replication Review
Now that you investigated the structure, function, and replication of DNA, review your knowledge. In this non-graded interactivity, complete the crossword puzzle by entering the correct answers, one letter per square (both across and down), from the given clues into the blank puzzle spaces. Click the player button to begin.