DNA is a large macromolecule. It is one of the largest molecules ever discovered. DNA's 3-D molecular structure was first characterized and reported on in Nature in 1953. This section answers 20 DNA questions posed previously here at sciencesuperschool.com. After review of the questions and answers on DNA, National DNA Day in 2010, 2011, and for many years beyond will always be a pleasant and interesting memory, since DNA is what makes the cell what it is. Here are the 20 DNA answers to the 20 DNA questions that serve to remind all of the basic, fundamental DNA information that will never change. Be challenged and be informed by DNA.

1.  If a typical bacterial cell's DNA is isolated properly the DNA is noted to be of what form or shape? circular  (A)
2.  If a typical plant's DNA is isolated properly, the DNA is noted to be of what form or shape? linear  (B)
3.  If typical human DNA is isolated properly, the DNA is noted to be of what form or shape? linear  (B) 
4.  A typical prokaryote, such as Escherichia coli, has how many complete DNA molecules? 1 (one DNA molecule, A)  
5.  A chromosome if isolated and studied would contain or have DNA. (All chromosomes contain DNA, A) 

6. Which of the following is the correct pairing in DNA? purine to pyrimidine (C). These are typical, normal pairings.

7. Which one of the following is not part of any DNA pairing?  arginine (A) is an amino acid, not a nitrogen base.

8. Which TWO terms best define DNA molecules?  double helix, composed of nucleotides (B,E) 

9. One of the listed scientists is not credited with the discovery of the DNA molecular structure.
    Who is that one person?  Linus Pauling (E), tried to solve the DNA structure, but thought it was a triple helix.   

10. One scientist contributed to the discovery of DNA's structure, but did not receive a Nobel Prize. Who was that scientist?
      Rosalind Franklin (D), was an X-ray crystallographer, who worked in Wilkins lab; the Nobel Committee only awards to
      a maximum of 3 investigators for any award category, and they judged Watson, Crick and Wilkins as most deserving.

11. Which type bond is involved between any two paired nitrogen bases of DNA?  hydrogen (B); attraction of the hydrogen nucleus for electronegative atoms. 
12. Which type bond links the sugar to the phosphate in DNA?  covalent (C); stongest bond, shared electrons.
13. Indicate which 2 features of the sugar apply to DNA molecules? ribose with a missing oxygen, (A, E) = deoxyribose
14. DNA would be what kind of molecule when analyzed chemically? acid (A)
15. The strength of the bondings between paired nitrogen bases (as asked in question 11) are dependent on type pairing (B), because AT bondings are two hydrogen bonds, and GC involve 3 hydrogen bonds and are stronger.

16. DNA replicates in what manner?  semiconservative (C). Each 1/2 strand makes a  new complimentary strand.
17. A scientist compares the DNA replication of bacteria, plants and animals and notes the replications are?  
      similar in each (A). Semiconservative replication is the rule for all life forms for DNA.
18. Genes can be defined as a distinct and discrete number of  nucleotides (C).
19. Genes usually are shut down or promoted to work as a direct result of what type molecular interaction with the gene? 
      protein (C) control.  Proteins are used as "repressor proteins" to react at gene sites and shut them down. 
20. If a gene mutates it: changes (D); base pair changes, deletions, inversions, subtitutions. Mutations may be neutral, harmful, or
      beneficial.

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