How do the primary and secondary structures of DNA influence its physical properties

How do the primary and secondary structures of DNA influence its physical properties?

Deoxyribonucleic acid contains the genetic instructions used in the advancement and functioning of all known living organisms. It consists of primary, secondary and tertiary structures that influence the DNA’s physical features. This is because these structures combine to form a DNA strand, and from it, they can perform the functions that are needed by living organisms. These structures therefore play a role in contributing to how the physical properties appear (Freeman & Healy, 2005)

On its part, the primary or fundamental structure of the Deoxyribonucleic acid is the precise requirement of its tiny composition and the chemical ties connecting those atoms. This primary structure is therefore what constitutes a basic unbranched, and un-cross linked biopolymer, especially since the sequence of the monomeric constituents are what give it its characteristics. It refers to the precise sequence of nucleotides that encompass the whole molecule. This part of the DNA encodes designs that are of practical significance to an organism. Secondary structure is a three-dimensional outward appearance of local constituents making up biopolymers that include proteins as well as nucleic acids. It is described by the hydrogen bonds that keep the biopolymer in its structure (Blake, 2005).

The physical properties of DNA’s are influenced by their primary and secondary structures. Since they are the basic building blocks of life, the atomic elements they exhibit matter. How unique an element is depends on the number of protons that are in its nucleus. The number of protons will also determine the energy level that each electron contains, and, in turn, the bonding of an atom. This will determine the physical properties and primary structure that a macroscopic sample of the substance will have.

Many activities take place that need the DNA strand’s secondary structures. They therefore need to have various adaptations so that they can carry out their activities well. Secondary structures are responsible for translocation and contain the necessary features to make this process a success. The structures need to have prepared themselves so that genetic variation can take place. The transcription of information encoded in the genome into RNA form plays a pivotal role in sustaining biological, cellular function. The procedure is carried out with incredible competence by the macromolecular machine RNA polymerase that steps along a DNA template, assembling and extruding a complementary RNA transcript. These structures make it suitable for DNA to carry out its activities efficiently (Watson & Andrew 2003).

References

Freeman, Scott, and Healy Hamilton. Biological Science. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.

Watson, James D, and Andrew Berry. DNA: The Secret of Life. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. Print.

Blake, R D. Informational Biopolymers of Genes and Gene Expression: Properties and Evolution. Sausalito, Calif: University Science Books, 2005. Print.

Silverstein, Alvin, Virginia B. Silverstein, and Laura S. Nunn. Dna. Brookfield, Conn: Twenty-First Century, 2002. Print.