Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking the Secrets of DNA: The Blueprint of Life!

Word Count Emoji
385 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What's in a name? DNA & RNA

  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
    • The grandmaster plan for all living things.
    • Think of it like a cookbook for life, full of recipes (genes) for making you, you!
  • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
    • DNA's cousin; helps in reading the cookbook.
  • Why 'Nucleic'? They were found in the cell nucleus, like treasure in a secret chamber!

DNA - a super cool structure

  • Made of nucleotides, tiny building blocks.
  • Imagine a LEGO tower where each block is a nucleotide, forming a long chain or polymer.
  • These LEGO blocks are hooked together, creating an awesome 3D structure.

But wait, what about RNA viruses?

  • Some cheeky viruses like coronaviruses (like the one causing COVID-19) and HIV use RNA, not DNA.
  • Plot Twist: Viruses don't make more of themselves like living things (they need a host cell), so they're not considered truly alive.
  • It's like a car needing a driver. Without one, it can't move; without a host, viruses can't multiply.

The mystery of genetic material

  • DNA is like a secret code that's copied and passed on, from cell to cell, and parent to child.
  • Ever wonder why you might have your mom's eyes or your dad's laugh? It's all in the DNA!

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking the Secrets of DNA: The Blueprint of Life!

Word Count Emoji
385 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What's in a name? DNA & RNA

  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
    • The grandmaster plan for all living things.
    • Think of it like a cookbook for life, full of recipes (genes) for making you, you!
  • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
    • DNA's cousin; helps in reading the cookbook.
  • Why 'Nucleic'? They were found in the cell nucleus, like treasure in a secret chamber!

DNA - a super cool structure

  • Made of nucleotides, tiny building blocks.
  • Imagine a LEGO tower where each block is a nucleotide, forming a long chain or polymer.
  • These LEGO blocks are hooked together, creating an awesome 3D structure.

But wait, what about RNA viruses?

  • Some cheeky viruses like coronaviruses (like the one causing COVID-19) and HIV use RNA, not DNA.
  • Plot Twist: Viruses don't make more of themselves like living things (they need a host cell), so they're not considered truly alive.
  • It's like a car needing a driver. Without one, it can't move; without a host, viruses can't multiply.

The mystery of genetic material

  • DNA is like a secret code that's copied and passed on, from cell to cell, and parent to child.
  • Ever wonder why you might have your mom's eyes or your dad's laugh? It's all in the DNA!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟