What is DNA and RNA?
How do it work?
How does it reproduce?
How does it mutate?
How do things evolve?
http://www.google.com/#q=+DNA+and+RNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are two types of nucleic acids found in cells that are involved in the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information.
DNA is usually found in the nucleus of a cell and contains the instructions necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of an organism. It is composed of a double helix structure made up of two strands of nucleotides that are bonded together. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T). The nucleotides in the DNA strands form complementary pairs, with A pairing with T and C pairing with G, which enables the faithful replication of DNA during cell division.
RNA, on the other hand, is involved in translating the information encoded in DNA and carrying out various cellular functions. It can be found both in the nucleus and throughout the cytoplasm of a cell. RNA is usually single-stranded and is composed of ribose sugar molecules, phosphate groups, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or uracil (U). RNA is synthesized from a DNA template through a process called transcription.
DNA reproduction occurs during the cell division process known as DNA replication. Enzymes unwind and separate the DNA strands, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming two identical copies of the original DNA molecule. This ensures that each new cell receives an identical set of genetic information.
DNA mutations are changes in the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA molecule. These mutations can occur spontaneously or as a result of exposure to various mutagens, such as radiation, chemicals, or errors during DNA replication. Mutations can range from small changes, such as a single nucleotide substitution, to larger alterations, such as insertions or deletions of several nucleotides. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral in their effects on an organism, and they can lead to genetic variation within a population.
Evolution is the process by which biological populations change over successive generations. It is driven by several factors, including genetic variations resulting from mutations, genetic recombination during sexual reproduction, natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Over time, these mechanisms can lead to changes in the genetic composition of a population, resulting in the appearance of new traits, adaptations, and ultimately the diversification of species. The process of evolution is considered one of the fundamental principles of biology and provides a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.