Functions of DNA

In order to code for our body's functions, DNA must make copies of itself. It does this at a simply unimaginable rate, laden with complexity. Additionally, to compose protein synthesis, DNA must have a way to attract like bases. As you may recall, the bases to DNA are selective. Adenine only bonds with thymine, and guanine only bonds with cytosine. There is a way that halfway copied DNA strands find other strands to bond with - this is accomplished by ribonucleic acid (RNA).

RNA quite literally serves as the messenger and transfer molecule for DNA. However, there is one crucial difference between DNA and RNA. Instead of adenine bonding with thymine, it bonds with uracil instead. RNA is very important - it's the crucial molecule for protein synthesis, which in turn is crucial for our functioning as organisms.

To further understand this complex process, one must understand how exactly DNA replicates at face value. As you know, DNA is shaped like a ladder with bonded bases acting as steps. This DNA comes apart almost in a way reminiscent of a zipper, separating into two strands. From here, with the help of RNA, these individual strands attract other strands with like bases. These two strands bond with each other, and the result is two completely and holistically identical DNA molecules. This is very important to understand - in the case of mutations, there can be a coding error and a mistake can occur. Most of the time, this is detrimental, but when it isn't and it is favored by the organism's environment, adaptation occurs.

Let's look deeper into this process. When there is only two individual strands, one becomes active while the other becomes inactive. Following this, the active strand bonds with free floating bases to form what is known as messenger RNA. This aptly named messenger RNA transfers its information using a molecule known as transfer RNA. After this has occurred, this transfer RNA, initially located in the ribosomes, or site of protein synthesis, carries the specified amino acid and completes the process.