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