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Juwad
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how are DNA and proteins similar in structure? 
In summary, in comparing the structure of DNA and proteins, it is important to understand the fundamental building blocks and how small changes in structure can drastically alter the properties and functions of these biomolecules. DNA is a double helix made of polynucleotides, while proteins are made of amino acids. Both molecules have specific bonding patterns that allow for their unique structures and functions. In order to fully understand the similarities and differences between DNA and proteins, it is necessary to study their chemical structures and how changes in these structures can affect their overall properties.
- #2
Stevedye56
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Put this in the Bio forum. You'll get more answers there. Read about DNA and then read about proteins off a website and then compare what you have learned.
- #3
siddharth
Homework Helper
Gold Member
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Stevedye56 said:
I think this forum is fine for such homework questions.
What do you think? Have you looked up any resource? You need to show some work.
- #4
Juwad
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proteins are made of amino acids? Dna made out of nucleotides..Dna is double stranded?
- #5
geoffjb
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Juwad said:how are DNA and proteins similar in structure?
How detailed of an answer are you looking for? (I.e. is this a high school or a University assignment?)
As well, what class is this for? If it's chemistry, then you're looking at how chemical structure determines the structural properties of DNA and proteins. If it's biology, then you'll be looking at how nucleic acids and amino acids link together in particular fashions.
As was already mentioned, your own work so far is prerequisite for further help here.
- #6
Juwad
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Well, it's a college level course being taught in hs...and it's biology :)
- #7
geoffjb
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Juwad said:
Okay. A high school biology course asking for a structural comparison of DNA and proteins should not be looking for too much.
What do you know about the structure of DNA? What do you know about the structure of protein? How do they compare?
- #8
Juwad
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Dna is a double helix..made out of polynucleotides. Protiens are made up of amino acids(polymer)..
DNA: the phosphate group bonds with the sugar covalently? and the bases have hydrogen bonds..Protien consists of primary, second, tetiary and quaternary structures?
DNA: the phosphate group bonds with the sugar covalently? and the bases have hydrogen bonds..Protien consists of primary, second, tetiary and quaternary structures?
- #9
geoffjb
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Consider this: When you buy ibuprofen (Advil), half of it is a complete waste. It is a racemic mixture consisting of ibuprofen and its enantiomer, which is a non-superimposable mirror image isomer. The only difference between the two is the orientation of one of the carbons (consider the squiggly line, seen here; one comes toward you [out of the page], and the other goes away from you [into the page]).Juwad said:
What I'm getting at is that a small structural difference can have enormous implications. Consider this with proteins and DNA in mind.
- #10
Juwad
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I c..so you used advil as an example.. :P
- #11
geoffjb
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The reason for the example is to show that a very minor change in structure can lead to a very major change in properties.Juwad said:
What would happen if you changed one amino acid in a protein? What would happen if you changed an A-T combo to a C-G combo in a selection of DNA?
- #12
Juwad
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oh yea...now i see the code word would be different which would change the base
- #13
geoffjb
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That's right. Think of it this way: With both protein and DNA, you're working with only 20 and 4 building blocks respectively, and yet you can produce products to the order of hundreds of thousands or millions. If I was your teacher, it is this aspect of comparison I'd be looking for.Juwad said:
- #14
Juwad
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thanks geoffjb, are you a teacher or student?
FAQ: DNA & Protein: Similarities in Structure
1. What is the relationship between DNA and protein structures?
DNA and protein structures are both composed of long chains of smaller units. In DNA, these units are nucleotides, while in proteins they are amino acids. Both structures also have a specific sequence of these units, which determines their function.
2. How are DNA and protein structures similar?
Both DNA and protein structures have a backbone composed of repeating units. In DNA, the backbone is made up of sugar and phosphate molecules, while in proteins it is made up of amino acids. Additionally, both structures have specific sequences of these units that are essential for their function.
3. What is the role of DNA and protein structures in the body?
DNA contains the genetic information that is responsible for determining an organism's traits and functions. Proteins, on the other hand, play a variety of roles in the body, such as enzyme activity, cell signaling, and structural support.
4. How do DNA and protein structures differ?
While both structures have a backbone composed of repeating units, the specific units and sequences differ between DNA and proteins. Additionally, DNA is typically double-stranded, while proteins are folded into complex 3D structures.
5. How do changes in DNA structure affect protein structure?
The sequence of DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein, and any changes in the DNA sequence can lead to changes in the protein structure. These changes can alter the function of the protein, which can have significant impacts on the organism's overall health and development.