Molecular_Structure_of_DNA_and_RNA_Presentation.pptx

MOLECULAR STRUCRE OF DNA AND RNA

1. The Molecular Structure of DNA and RNA Understanding the Blueprint of Life Presented by: [Your Name] Date: [Insert Date]

2. Introduction • Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information. • DNA and RNA are vital in heredity and protein synthesis. • This presentation explores their molecular structures and key scientific contributors.

3. Discovery of Nucleic Acids • Friedrich Miescher (1869) discovered 'nuclein' in white blood cells. • His work marked the first identification of what we now know as DNA.

4. The Race to Understand DNA • Phoebus Levene (1910s) identified nucleotides as DNA's building blocks. • Erwin Chargaff (1949) established base-pairing rules (A=T, G=C). • Rosalind Franklin (1952) produced X-ray diffraction images of DNA. • James Watson & Francis Crick (1953) proposed the double-helix model.

5. The Double Helix Structure of DNA • Two antiparallel strands form a right-handed helix. • Sugar-phosphate backbone on the outside; nitrogen bases inside. • Base pairs: Adenine–Thymine, Cytosine–Guanine.

6. Components of DNA • Nucleotides consist of: - Deoxyribose sugar - Phosphate group - Nitrogenous bases (A, T, C, G) • Hydrogen bonds link base pairs; covalent bonds form the backbone.

7. RNA Structure and Types • RNA is single-stranded with ribose sugar. • Uracil replaces thymine. • Types of RNA: - mRNA: Messenger RNA - tRNA: Transfer RNA - rRNA: Ribosomal RNA.

8. DNA vs RNA Feature | DNA | RNA ---------|-----|----- Sugar | Deoxyribose | Ribose Bases | A, T, C, G | A, U, C, G Structure | Double helix | Single strand Function | Genetic storage | Protein synthesis

9. Importance of Understanding DNA and RNA • Foundation for modern genetics, medicine, and biotechnology. • Applications include: - Genetic engineering - Forensic DNA analysis - mRNA vaccine development.

10. Conclusion • DNA and RNA are essential molecules of life. • Their discovery and study revolutionized biology. • From nuclein to the double helix—our understanding of life’s code continues to evolve.

11. References • Watson, J. D., & Crick, F. H. C. (1953). Nature. • Franklin, R. E., & Gosling, R. G. (1953). Nature. • Chargaff, E. (1950). Journal of Biological Chemistry. • Levene, P. A. (1919). Journal of Biological Chemistry.