Complete the table to show how DNA structure enables its essential functions: store information, cop

Answer

DNA stores information in the sequence of its nitrogen bases (A, T, C, G) along the sugar-phosphate backbone. It copies information because two complementary strands (A-T and C-G) can separate, and each strand serves as a template for making a new strand, with weak hydrogen bonds allowing unzipping and re-zipping. It transmits information because replication makes identical DNA molecules that can be packaged into chromosomes and passed to daughter cells (or offspring) during cell division.

Explanation

What you are matching in this table

You are linking each DNA function to a physical feature of the molecule that makes that function possible. The best answers name a specific structural detail (bases, pairing, strands, bonds, backbone, chromosomes) and connect it to what DNA needs to do.

Store information: what part actually holds the “code”

Key structure: the order (sequence) of nitrogen bases $A, T, C, G$ along the DNA strand.
Why it works: the sugar-phosphate backbone is repetitive, but the base sequence can vary almost endlessly, so it can encode lots of genetic instructions.

Copy information: how DNA makes accurate duplicates

Key structure: DNA is double-stranded and complementary.
Base-pair rules: $A$ pairs with $T$, and $C$ pairs with $G$.
Key structure: strands are held together by hydrogen bonds.
Why it works: hydrogen bonds are strong enough to hold the helix together, but weak enough to break so the strands can separate. Each original strand acts as a template to build a matching strand, producing two identical DNA molecules (semi-conservative replication).

Transmit information: how the code gets passed on

Key structure: DNA can be replicated into identical copies and then coiled and packaged into chromosomes.
Why it works: during cell division, chromosomes are separated so each new cell receives a complete DNA copy. In reproduction, DNA in gametes passes the genetic information to offspring.

Completed table (sample wording)

Function	Structure of the molecule
Store information	Information is stored in the sequence of bases ($A, T, C, G$) along the DNA strand.
Copy information	DNA has two complementary strands with specific base pairing ($A$-$T$, $C$-$G$); hydrogen bonds allow strands to separate so each strand can act as a template.
Transmit information	DNA can be replicated and packaged into chromosomes, allowing identical DNA to be passed to daughter cells (or offspring) during cell division/reproduction.

Skills You Achive

genetics dna structure base pairing cell division