| In all that we see in nature, the principle | | | | molecule. This means that the two strands can |
| that we usually see is that form follows | | | | "give birth" to a limitless number of DNA |
| function. This is because in almost all | | | | molecules as long as the replication process |
| creatures and plants, the unique features | | | | goes on. |
| that they have serve a purpose. One example | | | | |
| of this includes how some creatures are able | | | | For its genetic information transfer |
| to camouflage themselves within their | | | | function, the way by which DNA molecule is |
| background because their skin color allows | | | | made up of sub-units that contain a sugar, a |
| them to do so. Other examples include birds | | | | phosphate group and four nitrogenous bases |
| with specially shaped beaks to help them | | | | allows for the molecule to be arranged in a |
| catch prey, and the woodpecker is a good | | | | way by which a code is formed. This code is |
| example of this. However, this principle does | | | | determined by the sequence of the four |
| not only apply to the physical attributes of | | | | nitrogenous bases namely, adenosine (A), |
| animals and plants as this principle is also | | | | cytosine (C), thymine (T), and guanine (G). |
| followed up to the molecular level. This is | | | | During the replication process, this code is |
| seen on how the structure of the most basic | | | | transferred to the new DNA molecules that are |
| genetic molecule, which is DNA also follows | | | | formed through a process by which a gene that |
| this principle. | | | | is formed or coded in the same sequence in |
| | | | which the nitrogenous bases are sequenced in |
| Form follows function | | | | the DNA. These genes then determine the |
| | | | proteins that make up and establish the |
| The function of DNA is for replication and | | | | biological characteristics of an organism. |
| the transfer of genetic information. Given | | | | |
| this, it can be expected that the structure | | | | As with anything in nature, DNA also follows |
| of DNA would be designed to serve these | | | | the principle that form follows function. |
| functions. For its replication function, the | | | | This is because the unique structure of DNA |
| two-strand structure of DNA molecule allows | | | | allows it to serve its two main functions, |
| for the separation of these two strands to be | | | | which are the replication and the transfer of |
| able to bind with newly developing DNA | | | | genetic information. |