- The diagram on the left shows DNA replication. The double helix unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand. This results in two identical DNA molecules, each consisting of one original and one new strand (semi-conservative replication).
- The diagram on the right shows transcription. One strand of the DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary strand of messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA is single-stranded and contains uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).
- In DNA, the base pairing rules are A-T and G-C. In RNA, the base pairing rules are A-U and G-C.
- The nucleotides shown at the bottom represent the building blocks of nucleic acids. Each consists of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine/uracil).
- Label D points to the deoxyribose sugar in DNA. Label P points to the phosphate group in DNA. Label R points to the ribose sugar in RNA. Label P also points to the phosphate group in RNA.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of dna the double helix coloring worksheet colored.
