How does DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) ?encode information?
Information is encoded in the number of each different nucleotide.
The DNA molecule is composed of many amino acids joined together to form a functional protein.
Information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides.
The genes along the length of DNA molecules encode the information for building all the cell’s other molecules.
Information is encoded in the different shapes of the DNA molecules.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
Information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides.
Explanation:
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) encodes genetic information through the sequence of nucleotides. The DNA molecule is composed of four nucleotide bases:
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
These bases are arranged in specific sequences along the DNA strand, forming the genetic code. This sequence determines the instructions for building proteins and other essential molecules in a cell.
Each group of three nucleotides, called a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid or a signal for starting or stopping protein synthesis. This process is fundamental to gene expression and is carried out in two main steps:
- Transcription: The DNA sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
- Translation: The mRNA is used by ribosomes to assemble a chain of amino acids, forming a protein.
DNA does not encode information based on:
- The number of each different nucleotide – The number of nucleotides does not determine genetic information; it is their order that matters.
- The shapes of DNA molecules – DNA typically has a double-helix structure, but its shape does not determine genetic information.
- Many amino acids joined together – DNA itself is not made of amino acids; proteins are. DNA provides the instructions to build proteins.
- Genes encoding all cell molecules – Genes primarily encode proteins, which indirectly lead to the formation of other molecules, but not all cell components are directly encoded by DNA.
Thus, DNA stores genetic information by arranging nucleotide sequences, which dictate protein synthesis and cellular function.